The Multigenerational Workforce Managing and Motivating Multiple Generations in the Legal Workplace

By Sally Kane,
About.com Guide

For the first time in the nation’s history, four generations are working side by side in the workplace. As attorneys, paralegals and other legal professionals work beyond retirement age, many law firms and legal departments are trying to balance a generation gap of more than 50 years between the oldest and youngest employees. Although there is no consensus of the exact birth dates that define each generation, they are generally broken into four distinct groups:

• The Traditionalists - Born between 1927 and 1945
• The Baby Boomers - Born between 1946 and 1964
• Generation X – Born between 1965 and the early 1980s
• Generation Y – Born in 1980 or later

The diverse perspectives, motivations, attitudes and needs of these four generations have changed the dynamics of the legal workforce. A little insight into the differences among the generations can help you better understand the needs and expectations of your colleagues in an age-diverse workforce. By learning the motivations and generational footprint of each segment, you can leverage your talents and capitalize on the diversity of your legal teams.

Read more: http://legalcareers.about.com/