Juggling the Generations: Managing Today's Workplace

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by Paul Schneider, managing partner of OI Partners—Chicago, IL

Welcome to the new workplace.

A typical workplace today can consist of four generations-the Elders, those nearing retirement or returning to work, the Baby Boomers, Generation X and Generation Y, the latter now entering the work world.

With companies competing for the best and brightest while striving to retain their best employees, many business owners are taking a closer look on how to keep everyone happy and productive. How can management keep this diverse group committed to the job and company while respecting their individual differences? Consider the following:

Focus on goals - Because of value-driven differences of opinion, workers can easily lose sight of objectives. Managers must distinguish between lively debate and a stalemate and help resolve problems without dampening enthusiasm or disparaging anyone's opinions.

Make everyone feel included - Keep an open mind and ignore age as a factor. Encourage each generation to mentor the other. Make them feel valued and that their opinions, experiences and skills count.

Break the bonds of tradition - Expect resistance when changing the status quo. Older employees may want to proceed with caution, while younger ones will want to move ahead without worrying about risks. They may see it as a route to advancing their careers and skills while older employees might worry about performing adequately.

Invest in talent - Help employees develop the skills to succeed within the company and in their careers. Work toward giving everyone an equal footing. Offer older employees courses on how to use the Internet. For younger ones, provide executive development programs. Subsidize further education that is not job related.

Show them the future - Tell them where the company's going, how they fit in, and how to prepare for the future. This can help carry them through "dark times" or temptations from competitors.

Little changes make a big difference - Good people leave bad bosses not bad companies. Our complex workplace requires a kinder, gentler, more collaborative type of management. At a time when employees are less likely to tolerate inept managers, it makes good sense to call in an executive coach to correct problems before they intensify. The coach will assess the problem and offer solutions, speed up the learning process and ensure that the changed behavior sticks

Build it and they will come and stay - Employees of all ages place a high value on balancing their work and personal lives. For example, employees nearing retirement might want to scale back their hours. Gen Xers with children will seek a job with flexible hours. Offer the option of telecommuting.

If you think times are confusing now, wait for the next generation. Your competitors are getting ready. Are you?

Paul Schneider is managing partner of OI Partners in Chicago, IL.