We have the most age-diverse workforce in modern history, spanning four (occasionally even five) different generations. The need to cater to different learning styles and attitudes on both an individual and generational level keeps L&D leaders up at night.
It turns out they don’t need to worry.
Despite what a slew of think pieces would have you believe, the differences between various generations’ preferred management, work, and learning styles are minimal. There’s no need to build vastly different training programs for baby boomers versus millennials, for example.
Which isn’t to say that there aren’t unique challenges in training a multigenerational workforce. Instead of differentiating training programs based on generational needs, L&D should focus on creating Collaborative Learning programs that help all workers learn with and from one another, regardless of age.
But first you’ll need to forget everything you think you know about generational differences.