Clash of the Generations

Four Generations at Work

The anticipated mass exodus of the baby boomers from the workforce never happened. Instead, boomers stayed put, delaying their retirement and setting up a potential clash with the generations behind them. Millennials now make up the largest cohort of employees in the United States. They work side-by-side with boomers, generation X and, very soon, generation Z – and will, for years to come. With four generations at work – each with separate values and work ethics – organizations face novel challenges and need creative solutions.

Compounding these challenges, many firms have not kept pace with employee expectations. Whatever their age, today’s talented workers expect more of a say in the way they work and what they do, so command-and-control management techniques no longer work. Due to poor choice of leaders or inadequate training, many firms lack managers with the skills to cope with these issues.

Managers’ first, most important work involves learning what engages and motivates each individual, and using that knowledge to maximize performance. Leaders should emphasize “diversity and inclusion,” so employees of all ages have a voice...