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How To Combat 'Generational Warfare' In The Workplace

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America's workforce is multi-generational, which can lead to both conflict and opportunity.

Peoria-based attorney Abby Clark, who practices mostly business and employment law, says older generations can learn just as much from their younger colleagues as the other way around.

Attorney Abby J. Clark
Credit Davis & Campbell Law
Attorney Abby J. Clark

“There are differences in work ethic. There are differences in communication style and what motivates people,” she said. “At the end of the day, the best way to find common ground and to work together is -- if there is some kind of conflict — people sit down and have a conversation.”

Clark says there are a lot of misconceptions and negative connotations associated with each age group.

“The baby boomers are often described as workaholics and tethered to their desks and very rigid. Then you’ve got the Gen Xers who are rule-breakers and who are aloof. You’ve got the millennials who are inexperienced and they’re always glued to their phones.”

But Clark says there’s a flip side to all of that — and what are often perceived as weaknesses can actually be leveraged as strengths.

“The baby boomers, for example, those folks are team players and they’re always going to work hard, they’re always going to get the job done,” she said. “If you look at the Gen Xers … these folks are extremely independent and they’re very adaptable.”

Millennials, Clark adds, are resourceful and mission-driven, but might need the guidance of older colleagues to ground their ideas and gain experience.

She says it’s important to remember that just because the way someone works is different doesn’t mean it’s wrong.

Clark gave a presentation on combating generational warfare at this year’s Women of Influence forum hosted by Peoria Magazines.

Copyright 2021 WCBU. To see more, visit WCBU.

Dana Vollmer is a reporter with WGLT. Dana previously covered the state Capitol for NPR Illinois and Peoria for WCBU.