Age Diversity In The Workplace Essay

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Age diversity in the workplace A more diverse workforce does not necessarily mean more problems. Diverse workforce can however be seen as something positive that may bring positive impact to an organization despite of all the challenges that the management as well as the employees may have to deal with. In this essay, I will focus on age - the aspect of diversity often been avoided, the organizational behaviour challenges that are created and lastly, knowledge and skills managers have to develop. This trend leads to a new take on workplace diversity– age diversity. Today’s workforce spans four generations: Traditionalists (born before 1946): Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964): Generation Xers (born 1965-1981): and Millennials (Born 1982-2000). …show more content…

The dedicated and mature workers (Traditionalists and Baby Boomers) are portrayed as loyal and hardworking, but dinosaurs when it comes to innovation and technology. The younger and anxious individuals (Generation Xers and Millennials) are viewed as innovative, but disrespectful, lazy, and egocentric. Taken at face value, these stereotypes can lead to conflict and havoc in the workplace. • Loyalty: When individuals value the company with such devotion, but often we see our younger generation is missing company commitment. Lynne Lancaster, expert on generational differences, points out that Generation Xers are loyal, but to a project, a boss, or a team, not necessarily a company. Loyalty has a different definition for various individuals based on their cultural background. Loyalty should be valued and understood through this glass. • Core Values: Each generational group allocates core values, especially family. When it comes to care the younger ones (children), parents that are aging, and as well as having the curtsey in allowing an individual to pursue adventure of up to value in all generations. • Communications: Members of the Millennial generation view technology as essential to their lives. They rely extensively on electronic methods of communication. Strengthen communication through technology AND direct

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