Roane County Employers Association Meeting - "Faces of Change: Generations in the Workplace"

The workforce as we know it is changing. Diversity – not just in terms of gender and ethnicity, but also in the sense of generational norms, attitudes and work styles – is changing the way we recruit, retain, and manage employees.
 
Today’s workplace requires relating to and engaging different generations whose upbringing has influenced their interpersonal communication styles, work habits, and motivation. Understanding and being sensitive to generational differences can promote – or inhibit – employee engagement.
 
Why is understanding generational differences important?

• A Society of Human Resource Management survey reports that 72% of respondents said inter-generational conflict is an issue at work.
• Greater variation of age groups in a workplace can lower engagement.
• Hiring and training new employees is expensive and time-consuming.
• Managing employees effectively is an investment in your people, their skills and experience – in your organization.