How to deal with generational conflicts in the office. Managers and employees need to be aware of what issues are causing tension and ways they can help reduce intergenerational friction. The challenge of the mixed-generational workforce is to learn from one another, says Paula Ann Hughes, PhD, U.S. vice president of the European University, headquartered in Switzerland. There are two sides to the new workplace situation. It's great, explains Zemke, because younger managers broaden conversations, bringing new ideas to think about and discuss.
Younger managers tend to be more informal in their management style, more easy-going and relaxed.
For older employees, this may be a dramatic shift and one with which they aren't comfortable, Dr. Moses suggests. Younger managers, she says, often are uncomfortable with older employees because they feel like they're giving their parents directions. Communicate, communicate, communicate. According to Dr. Hughes, each generation has a different style and it's important to not assume the other person understands your expectations. Leverage others' wisdom, experience and know-how.