Do Millennials, Generation X-ers and Boomers approach corporate volunteerism in different ways?

Considering the generational differences around other areas of the workplace, it’s not surprising to see those differences extend to corporate volunteering and giving programs as well.

Generational theorists focus on the personality characteristics of each generational group, and now these analyses are being extended to the different ways that each generation approaches volunteering. For example, according to a look at this topic from theMinnesota Literacy Council, here’s a breakdown of the qualities that different generations bring to volunteering:

Traditionalists (born around 1925-1944)are committed, competent, and loyal volunteers who volunteer because they feel it’s their civic duty. They tend to pick an organization or job to commit to and stay with it for many years. They prefer to communicate by phone, in written letters or in person.

Baby Boomers (1945-1964)are ambitious, competent and competitive workers. They want to know how they’re part of the bigger picture, and if they’re making an impact with their work. Boomers prefer short term, specific assignments and opportunities to use their special skills, and they prefer to communicate through email, on the phone, or in person.

Generation X-ers (1965-1984) are adaptable, confident, self-starters and determined. X-ers volunteer when they see a cause that impacts them directly. They’re technologically savvy and highly educated, and prefer to communicate through email, text, and Facebook.

Millenials (1985-2004)are also highly educated and extremely technologically savvy, as well as enthusiastic, fun, and eager. Millennials crave personal attention and lots of praise. Like the Traditionalists, they volunteer because they believe it’s their civic duty and they want to make a difference. Millennial students often volunteer to gain professional experience. They came of age through social media and prefer to communicate through Facebook, Twitter or text.

So how do you get these different generations to connect when it comes to volunteering?