Training Across the Generations

Many organizations have team members that span at least three generations:

• Young employees, many of whom are just entering the workforce
• Middle-aged workers
• Older people, planning to retire within the next few years

In addition, an entirely new generation will be entering the workforce in the next few years.

Does a one-size-fits-all approach to training meet the needs of these different age groups, or should we consider generational differences when designing learning experiences?

• What similarities and differences exist in these different generations?
• What do we need to consider when designing instruction to address generational differences?
• What does existing research say about generational issues and instructional design?

These questions are important for those responsible for workplace learning and development because they affect how organizations make decisions about infrastructure, tools, and technologies and how they manage talent and train their employees.

This report aims to answer and provide direction regarding some of these questions and also recommends how you can address generational and other issues when designing instruction for workplace learning.

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Multi-Generational Learning in the Workplace: Overview and Instructional Design Considerations

By Janet Clarey, Analyst, Brandon Hall Research

Published October 2008 • Download file size: 0.5 MB • 30 pages