The generational differences in the workforce can make a company more productive, if the firm manages diverse age groups effectively by varying its attitude towards rewards and communication styles, a survey says.
According to the survey by global workforce solutions provider Kelly Services, more than half of the Indian respondents (54 per cent) said the differences between Gen Y (aged 18-29), Gen X (aged 30-47), and baby boomers (aged 48-65) make the workplace more productive.
Just 23 per cent believe age differences interfered with productivity and 17 per cent said they made no difference.
The Kelly Global Workforce Index survey said differences in communication style and attitudes toward rewards are key factors which managers should address in juggling needs of the three main generations in the Indian workplace.
It revealed that the youngest age group, Gen Y, was increasingly using instant messaging, but still all age groups mostly prefer face-to-face communication.
When receiving rewards and bonuses, many older workers like non-cash items such as time-off work and training opportunities, it added.
"When differences between age groups are harnessed effectively, they can provide a powerful stimulus to creativity and productivity," Kelly Services senior vice president (Asia-Pacific) Dhiren Shantilal said.
Rather than trying to smother this diversity, good employers are utilising it to generate fresh ideas and new ways of doing business, Shantilal added.
Moreover, almost half (47 per cent) said they had experienced intergenerational conflicts at their workplace.
The Kelly Services workforce survey said that age-related differences do impact on the way people go about their work, and 76 per cent said they adapt their communication style in dealing with colleagues from a different generation.
Kelly Global Workforce Index is a survey revealing opinions about work and the workplace from a generational viewpoint.
The survey obtained the views of nearly 100,000 people in 34 countries, including almost 5,000 in India.
