Media Coverage

The Perfect Workplace: A Blend of Generations

Summary of article reported in the San Fernando Valley Business Journal, January 22, 2007 – Chris Coates, a reporter with the San Fernando Valley Business Journal, writes an interesting article in which he evaluates the pros and cons of the broadening generation gap within American workplaces.

With many Americans working past their projected retirement age, the typical workplace is a true melting-pot of workers ranging from college interns to mid-level associates and baby-boomers on the verge of retirement. Needless to say, the generational gap between all of these groups could potentially cause a fracas and hamper the organization’s ability to progress.

How can these workers join forces to avoid unnecessary distractions? According to many of Mr. Coates’ stakeholders, the trick is to respect your co-workers and understand that every generation has its own unique traits that the other can learn from.

While most baby-boomers expected to stick with the same job for the rest of their lives, younger workers are more apt to change jobs, or careers, at a moment’s notice. An increasing number of employers view this indecisiveness as an opportunity to lure bright young professionals and train them to fill high-level positions, soon to be vacated by the aforementioned baby-boomers.

Edward J. Savage, Managing Director of Stanton Chase Los Angeles, warns that stereotyping is another predisposition associated with many generations under one roof. “You find that some people, from a cultural point of view, will say that this person is too old and put them in a box. But there’s something to be learned from all of these experiences,” he said.

Steven M. Brown, a principal with the Sherman Oaks insurance agency Hoffman Brown Co., substantiates Edward’s quote by explaining that the exchange of ideas between generations can be a key learning exercise for any business.