Multigenerational Workforce

Executive Summary

The Challenges of Multigenerational Communication

It is no secret that communication is a challenging endeavor for most human beings. Add

to the complexity of dialogue an age gap that spans 60 years, and you have a recipe for disaster.

While the English language hasn’t drastically changed over the last half century, communication

style has slightly evolved with each generation. As if evolution wasn’t enough to drive a

communication wedge between age bands, technological advances further widened this gap by

offering new methods of communication – methods which have been fully embraced by some,

outright rejected by others, and moderately accepted by the majority. The challenge for

organizations is to recognize these differences, establish ground rules for communication and

knock down barriers between generations.

George H. Smith III

EMBA – 701

June 2, 2015

George H. Smith III

The multigenerational workforce is not a new phenomenon in the workplace. It is fairly

common for the newest generation of workers to work alongside middle managers, typically

from the prior generation, as well as senior executives who are frequently two generations

removed. Each group of employees, shaped by events and life experiences relative to their

generation, has a unique set of values, principles and belief systems. The difference today,

however, is the introduction of a fourth generation. The delay in retirement of our baby boomers

has created the emergence of a 4-generational workforce. (American Management Association

Website, 2014) As with previous generations, this fresh cohort of workers present a new

dynamic to the workplace that needs to be taken into account.

There are several factors to consider in trying to effectively integrate a multigenerational

workforce. Differences in such areas as communication style, work style, use of technology,

work/life balance, and management style have to be understood and proactively managed. I...