A Case Study on Managing a Multi-Generational Workforce During the Implementation of a Major Technological Change

Abstract

In the highly technical globalized business world technological change is unavoidable to stay competitive and relevant. With more employees working longer into their careers and younger generations flooding into the workplace, managing a multi-generational team can be a challenge. For the first time in U.S. history there are now six living generations with four active in the workforce at the same time. Each generation looks at life through a different set of lenses each honed by unique experiences throughout their lives, and because of that, each generation reacts differently to changes in technology. Understanding the difference in those generations and how they handle change will determine how successful the company is at making the required changes. As the members of the Silent (born 1926-1945) and Baby Boomer (born 1946-1963) generations retire and more members of Generation Y (born 1977-1995) and the Homeland Generations (born 1996-Present) come into the work place, the business world will drastically change especially as it pertains to technology. The scope of this field project is look at the experiences that shaped the different generations, how those generations react to technology changes and how best to manage a multi-generational workforce in today’s world of ever changing technology.