Age power: Work engagement in different generations

There is a serious new problem in the workplace, and it has nothing to do with downsizing, global competition, pointyhaired bosses, stress or greed. Instead, it is the problem of distinct generations, the Baby Boomers, Generation X and Generation Y, working together and often colliding as their paths cross. Research indicates that people communicate based on their generational backgrounds. Each generation has distinct attitudes, behaviors, expectations, habits and motivational buttons. Learning how to communicate with the different generations can eliminate many major confrontations and misunderstandings in the workplace and the world of business. When you take members of different generations, blend them together, and ask them to work side by side, you have both an opportunity and a challenge: the opportunity to engage a mix of people who bring their unique experiences and skills to an organization and the challenge of dealing with the generational differences that distinguish them.