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"Every generation needs a new revolution.” – Thomas Jefferson

On May 16 at 3 p.m. ET, We Know Next conducted a lively and insightful #NextChat discussion on "Creating Generational Engagement with Reverse Mentoring" with Next Official Blogger, Microsoft's Ross Smith and his reverse mentor Prem Kumar. Ross and Prem shared their experiences with reverse mentoring and explained how leaders should think differently about managing multiple age groups. Reverse mentoring helps to remove stereotypes. It…

“Each generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it.” – George Orwell

When your alarm goes off each morning, and you roll out of bed to schlep off to work, you are entering a community that’s unprecedented in human history (even if it doesn’t feel that way on a Monday).

Yep, it’s true - you are a part of the first global workforce that contains members of FOUR generations.  Economic, technological,…

Each generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it.  - George Orwell 

Mentee perspective – Ross

 I am 48 years old and started working on software before my mentor, Prem, was born.  Prem’s research on Gen Y was intriguing, particularly his recommendations around reverse mentoring, and I asked if he would be MY mentor a few years back.  A few of the things I’ve learned is how similar Prem is…

Note: This series is based on the paper  My Generation. 

Generational and life-stage issues affect us both consciously and subconsciously every single day.

A survey by Lee and Hecht Harrison tells us that “70% of older employees are dismissive of younger workers’ abilities and nearly half of younger employees are dismissive of the abilities of their older co-workers”. 

Even at the most progressive of companies, these trends often persist. It’s important to address them head-on to win the battle of engagement.

There is an explosion happening all around us.  We are getting grayer as a society - much grayer.   As a result, organizations are faced with a diversity-related challenge.   Younger managers, on a much broader level than ever before, are finding themselves in the position of having to supervise older subordinates.  Early on in my career, I found myself in a similar position.   As a very young, first-time manager, I found myself with subordinates who were considerably older than me.   To be honest, I didn't think much of…

For many demographers and social scientists, the long-awaited year has come and gone, almost. It was estimated that between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2011, more than 7,000 people would turn 65 years old every single day. Those numbers are astounding.

In AARP's 2010 survey of boomers turning 65 in 2011 finds this first wave of the boomer generation were generally satisfied with their lives and optimistic about the next third of life.  Financial security and improving their health were a few top concerns which affected their outlook about the future, and their retirement plans.

In a few respects, boomers turning 65…

Like most developed countries, the U.S. faces a major demographic challenge. This year, the oldest of nearly 80 million baby boomers turn 65. According to the Pew Research Center, about 10,000 Americans reach that milestone every day.

Most organizations can’t afford to suddenly lose such a reservoir of work experience and seasoned judgment. And that maturity and judgment is of particular value in forging collaborative teams within a workforce that now includes four and soon five generations. To keep those experts on board as long as possible, human resource professionals are pursuing innovative strategies like flexible work…

Note: This series is based on the paper My Generation.

Each generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it.  - George Orwell

For perhaps the first time in recorded history, labor markets in the 21st century are comprised of members of four generations. This situation presents very real challenges – and opportunities - to organizations and…

The U.S. is getting older. Americans are living longer, and there are more seniors in the workforce. That means more care-giving responsibilities for everyone.

SHRM’s research shows that members feel two key demographic trends are the growth in the number of workers with eldercare responsibilities,  and those with both childcare and eldercare responsibilities.

Statistics tell us that more than 65 million people—29 percent of the U.S. population—provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend during any given year, averaging 20-40 hours per week.…

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is proud to congratulate the 50 winners of this year’s AARP Best Employers for Workers over 50 Award and the great HR teams behind them.

We at SHRM, the world’s largest association devoted to human resource management, applaud the winning organizations as models for all U.S. businesses, many of which face the challenge of competing in an increasingly global marketplace. The organizations being honored by AARP appreciate that engaging…