Being in the Travel Industry, we sell a great deal of "Generational Trips", so called because of the age span of relatives joining together for a family vacation. Mixing and matching different generations of relatives to the perfect vacation destination can be challenging. Our counselors are trained to find the trip that will appeal to all ages participating.

Quite often, similar generational challenges of those encountered in the leisure world can be faced in the workplace as well. Something each of us face everyday in the business world is the mixing of generations of employees. Words and reactions in the mix of generations reflect differences in the way our working environment functions. The problem exists in the workplace when different ideas, values, communicating, and ways of getting things done inevitably clash.

These issues have always been there; the big difference is that now we have four distinct generations in offices working side by side. Those born in the period between 1922-1945 are often referred to as the "Veteran" generation, or as Tom Brokaw referred to them is his book, "The Greatest Generation". The group with the greatest numbers are "Baby Boomers", born between 1946-1964. Generation X follows, between 1956-1980, and last, but certainly not least is the Generation Y population, having been born between 1981-2000.

More increasingly today, business is aware of the importance of smoothing the generational differences in helping employees understand how to eliminate major confrontations and misunderstandings in the workplace. Motivating employees to get along together and accept different lifestyles is the direction needed in order to ensure everyone is working toward the common goal.

Can this be done peacefully? You can find many references on-line under the subject of "Generational Timelines" to assist in considering the underlying values and characteristics of each age group. Just one example you might consider is establishing a mentoring program to meld older and younger employees while passing on both knowledge as well as the history of your organization.

With a little base knowledge on how each generation reacts to different circumstances, you can direct varying tendencies toward a harmonious force.

Just as in the travel industry, think of the many different ways each generation will recall and relate memories about their "Generational Vacation". We can create the same harmony in our businesses just by learning to celebrate, understand, and adjust to our differences. Definitely a Scrapbook to savor!

Submitted by Susan Dunn, Director of Business Development

Travel & Transport Vacations

West Des Moines Chamber Board Member