Winning the “Generation Wars”—Making the Most of Generational Differences and Similarities in the Workplace

This report examines the generational difference and similarities that exist in the workplace. The report’s findings are based on a review of literature on generations in the workplace combined with a survey (the Conference Board’s 2009 National Survey on Generations in the Workplace) of more than 900 Canadian workers—including “Boomers” (aged 45–64), “Gen Xers” (aged 30–44), and “Gen Yers” (aged 18–29). The literature review provides the context for the study, while the survey supplies empirical evidence about the differences and similarities in the perceptions and preferences of the three generations. Based on the findings, the report also offers employers insights and advice on ways to build an inclusive workplace culture; how to recruit, engage, and retain workers from across the generations; and how to learn from effective generational policies, programs, and practices used in other organizations.