A popular discussion topic in recent years has been how generation gaps are shaping the workplace and creating problems. Yet these discussions can often seem exaggerated and leave readers wondering just how bad these generational issues are.

However, last week, Tony DiRomualdo of the Wisconsin Technology Network published some interesting findings from some a self-conducted survey.

Positives include:

• 61% frequently & 37% sometimes observed workers of different generations working effectively together
• 43% frequently & 46% sometimes observed workers from different generations learning from each other
• 61% frequently & 37% sometimes observed workers of different generations working effectively together
• 24% frequently & 52% sometimes observed perspectives of workers from two or more different generations balancing one another
• 21% frequently & 69% sometimes observed better quality of work due to variety of generation perspectives
• 21% frequently & 51% sometimes observed intergenerational mentoring - formal and informal

Negatives include:

• 19% frequently & 37% sometimes observed conflicts regarding acceptable work hours between workers of different generations
• 15% frequently & 52% sometimes observed communications breakdowns between workers of different generations
• 12% frequently & 39% sometimes observed employees stating that co-workers from other generations are over- or under-reliant on technology
• 10% frequently & 34% sometimes observed employees taking co-workers from different generations less seriously
• 9% frequently & 30% sometimes observed employees feeling that co-workers from other generations do not respect them

It is good to see a well-rounded report on the topic. Church HR departments should be sure to focus on encouraging the positives of an inter-generational workplace while trying to prevent the negatives.

Read more about generational issues at:
Reuters - Generation gaps shape workplace choices, conflicts (July 2006)
Church Relevance - What Makes a Millennial Tick? (May 2006)
Church Relevance - The Next Generation (April 2006)
USA Today - Generation Y: They’ve arrived at work with a new attitude (November 2005)