Are Generational Categories Meaningful Distinctions for Workforce Management?

By: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education and Board on Behavioral, Cognitive, and Sensory Sciences and Committee on the Consideration of Generational Issues in Workforce Management and Employment Practices

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Synopsis: Headlines frequently appear that purport to highlight the differences among workers of different generations and explain how employers can manage the wants and needs of each generation. But is each new generation really that different from previous ones? Are there fundamental differences among generations that impact how they act and interact in the workplace? Or are the perceived differences among generations simply an indicator of age-related differences between older and younger workers or a reflection of all people adapting to a changing workplace? Are Generational Categories Meaningful Distinctions for Workforce Management? reviews the state and rigor of the empirical work related to generations and assesses whether generational categories are meaningful in tackling workforce management problems. This report makes recommendations for directions for future research and improvements to employment practices.