From differences to strengths: strategies for embracing generational diversity at workplace

Abstract

Purpose With every successful organization embracing various facets of diversity in this new era, one such facet that is lesser talked about but has huge potential to bring organizational success is “Generational Diversity.” This paper emphasizes the significance of multiple generations in the workplace and suggests organization led strategies for achieving the benefits of generational diversity. Design/methodology/approach This paper draws on extant literature and knowledge in the field of generational diversity. By reviewing the characteristics, values, work styles and perspectives of multiple generations, this paper offer several strategies to successfully manage and leverage generational diversity. Findings This paper provides an overview of generational diversity and insights on its relevance at workplace. Besides, it also enlists and emphasizes eight different strategies that can help the organizations embrace and leverage the strengths of multiple generations at workplace. Practical implications Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) teams responsible for nurturing a diverse and inclusive culture at work can design and implement the strategies specified in this paper as per the suitability of their cohort(s) of employees to achieve the benefits of multigenerational workforce in organizations. Originality/value Generational diversity at workplace is an important factor toward achieving organizational success. For organizations with age-diverse workforce driving relentlessly toward success, there is a need to design and implement customized strategies and practices for managing multiple generations successfully. This study attempts to address this need by highlighting several organization led strategies to manage multiple generations successfully at workplace.