People
Issue No. 25 - October/November 2005
Managing the generation mix
by Colin Pearce
The new diversity issue in the workplace is age diversity. Many companies have recruited talented young staff only to watch them collide with more established colleagues over issues like work ethic, respect for authority and dress code. And many managers simply don't know how to handle it.
The best managers create an environment where everyone wants to come to work and perform at their peak. They want everyone to work well with colleagues of whatever age to reach company goals as well as achieving personal aspirations. A key question is how to achieve this when working with people from different generations, mindsets and values.
With more generations mixing in the workforce than ever before, young workers are assuming important roles earlier. Many company hierarchies have given way to flat structures. Some workers are retiring earlier while others are staying long after tradional retirement age.
Different worlds
The Silent Generation born before 1946 grew up in 'Pleasantville' and adopted the values of their elders such as loyalty, dedication and commitment. Their goal was lifetime employment in a solid organisation and they looked forward to a comfortable retirement.
Get the best out of 'Silents' by using their strong work ethic. If you respectfully assert your authority and genuinely use their expertise you will have success. They tend to be natural team players and supporters and will be an integral part of your team. They do however, prefer a formal atmosphere and they love to talk with real people so avoid email or voicemail and give the personal touch.
Let them mix with others and publicly recognise their achievements with overt signs such as certificates or plaques. These symbols may not mean much to you but they are usually significant to this age group.
The Baby Boomers were born roughly between 1946 and 1962 -- and there are a lot of them! They grew up with Happy Days and Wo...
