The workforce today can, more often than not, be extremely diverse – we can have as many as four different generations working together, each with his/her own distinctive styles, values and belief systems and ways of viewing work-related issues.

Multi-generational work environments can breed misunderstanding and conflict, and can compromise growth. However, if managed effectively, it can be a source of positive challenge, opportunity and significant growth. Organisations struggle with the challenges of effectively managing a highly diverse workforce. These challenges often relate to variation in perspective, values and belief systems as a result of generational differences, and are further complicated due to the age differences between managers and employees. The assumption that people of varying ages will understand one another or have the same perspective and goals is far from true. In order to be successful, managers need to understand and value the diversity resulting from generational differences, varying perspectives and differing goals.

Generation Y, or ‘Gen Y’ for short, is the term most commonly used to refer to the cohort of individuals born in the 1980s and 1990s, who are now entering or are already in the workforce. A recent Straits Times estimate placed their numbers at close to 400,000 in the Singapore workforce and these numbers are growing. There has been a growing consensus that employee engagement strategies and approaches that have been successful are not quite as effective or even relevant for this new breed of executives.

What exactly makes ‘Gen Y’ so different from the other generations at work? This session included research findings on how to engage a multi-generational workforce, and how best to leverage on the strengths that each generation of employees brings to the table and create real value to the customers and the organisation as a whole.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding Generational Differences within the Organisation
• Learning how to Communicate better across a Multi-Generational Workforce
• Understanding the Need to Create an Engaging Environment to Create Value to Your Customers