Career Partners Explore Generational Diversity in the Workplace

This past May, more than 30 corporate representatives gathered for Posse Chicago’s Career Program breakfast to discuss fostering generational diversity in the workplace. Representatives from partners such as Allstate Insurance, Northern Trust, JLL and AAR attended the event.

Keynote speaker Gloria Mancini from Bank of America gave an insightful presentation about the differences in communication, career motivation and working styles across generations. She discussed the ways such factors might affect relationships in the workplace. At Bank of America, Gloria serves as vice president of global technology and operations and chairs the Chicago chapter of the company’s Intergenerational Employee Network affinity group.

“At Bank of America, we strive to promote generational diversity as part of an inclusive environment,” she says. “It was a pleasure to share some of the things we’ve learned and engage in group discussions about the importance of understanding generational dynamics, so that we can all work better together.”

Gloria provided examples of ways companies can enhance their generational diversity, such as internships and mentoring programs to integrate millennials and young professionals into work culture.

“Posse engages Scholars in reflection on almost every aspect of diversity, but since we work with traditional-aged college students, we spend less time talking about age and generational diversity,” says Posse Chicago Director Jennifer Tani. “In our efforts to support Scholars in achieving leadership roles in the workforce, it’s important to examine the impact that generational diversity has on retention of employees.”

Posse Career Program staff encouraged attendees to think about their workplace’s current state of generational diversity. Participants were also engaged in small group discussions about programs and workplace norms. At the end of the event, attendees were given tips for generational diversity success and ways to thrive in a multi-generational workforce.

“The Posse Foundation breakfast was a great opportunity to meet with professionals across various industries to discuss a topic that touches all of us,” says Gloria.