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Workers of Different Ages Don't Chat Enough: Survey

Reuters, 5/21/08

Abstract:

Workers aren't bridging the generation gap because 20-something employees rarely chat to those in their 50s and 60s, according to a new survey.

The poll of 3,494 adults by employment services group Randstad USA showed that 51 percent of baby boomers and 66 percent of older workers report little to no interaction with their younger colleagues.

Employment experts fear the lack of communication could create a shortage of U.S. skilled labor because retiring baby boomers aren't passing on their knowledge and experience.

"Older workers stereotypically view younger workers as not as competent and not having such a work ethic," said Eric Buntin, managing director, marketing and operations for Randstad USA. "Younger workers view the older as not thinking outside the box."

He said the different generations of employees do not have the same expectations of work and values of employment, which is a difficult gap to bridge.

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