'Generation Gap 2.0' Heats Up at Work

With individuals' perceived sophistication about tech use often serving as a divider, a potentially destructive generation gap is building in the workplace, according to a recent survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of Ricoh Americas. Younger employees say their older counterparts are slow to adopt new tech. Meanwhile, Gen Xers and Boomers criticize Millennials for being reluctant to work late and volunteer for new jobs. The tension is building toward what some call the "Generation Gap 2.0," a modern version of the generation gap of the 1960s. (That's when younger Americans were told: "Don't trust anyone over 30.") "Although Generation Gap 2.0 doesn't pervade the culture like the original generation gap did, it's no less a real phenomenon," said Terrie Campbell, vice president of strategic marketing for Ricoh Americas. "It's more of an undercurrent—a subtext—[but it's] definitely something business leaders need to manage. It has serious implications for teams, employee training and mentor relationships." This slide show reports on survey findings related to employees ages 18 to 54. More than 1,000 U.S. adults took part in the research.