ABSTRACT

Age is the most dominant form of diversity in the workplace. Five generations are currently represented in the workplace, with each one having their own perspectives and communication styles. Workplace teams are most likely to be comprised of members from multiple generations, yet research is inconclusive regarding how age diversity is impacting productivity and team performance. To examine preferences of working in teams comprising same generation or different generation members, a survey was disseminated to a sample of employees across various organizations in the current workforce, ages 18 and up. The survey examined perceptual generational differences regarding work ethic, communication styles, technology, culture and diversity, and other core values. Results indicate employees value generational diversity and believe generationally diverse teams increase team performance. However, findings indicate tensions are likely to occur when working in generationally diverse teams, including the ability to communicate and transfer knowledge. This research identifies the growing desire for generational diversity in the workforce and points out where investments in training and resources are needed to support knowledge transfer, optimize strengths, and ensure communication is heard and understood by all.

摘要

年龄是工作场所多元化的最主要形式。目前工作场所代表了五代人，每一代人都有自己的观点和沟通方式。职场团队最有可能由多代成员组成，但关于年龄多样性如何影响生产力和团队绩效的研究尚无定论。为了检查在由同一代或不同代成员组成的团队中工作的偏好，一项调查被分发给当前劳动力中不同组织的员工样本，年龄在 18 岁及以上。该调查考察了在职业道德、沟通方式、技术、文化和多样性以及其他核心价值观方面的感知代际差异。结果表明，员工重视代际多样性，并相信代际多样化的团队可以提高团队绩效。然而，调查结果表明，在代际多样化的团队中工作时可能会出现紧张局势，包括沟通和转移知识的能力。这项研究确定了劳动力中对代际多样性日益增长的需求，并指出需要在培训和资源方面进行投资以支持知识转移、优化优势并确保所有人都能听到和理解沟通。