Organizations can capitalize on the differences that exist between the generations by fostering cross-generational communications within their workforce, says organizational and workplace expert Phyllis Weiss Haserot in You Can't Google It!
Being aware of cross-generational attitudes and fears is crucial when designing strategies and interacting with team members, mentors, mentees, coaches, and supervisors as well as clients, customers, and other external stakeholders.
"As prevalent as talk and media content about the generations is, awareness of the urgency of these challenging issues has not yet broken through and led to necessary action in most organizations," says Haserot. "Few have strong inter-generational initiatives or have focused attention on it as they have on gender, race, and LGBTQ issues, though the various generational attitudes inform and influence all aspects of diversity." It's the missing piece that she believes is instrumental in hindering inclusion progress.
For HR and C-suite executives, organizational development consultants, professionals, managers, and employees or all generations, You Can't Google It! provides practical ways to create meaningful cross-generational conversations that address both individual and organizational needs.