ValueOptions®' Workforce Initiative Bridges Generational Gap
Behavioral Health Company Introduces a Comprehensive Resource to Help Employers Address Generational Differences Among Workers
Norfolk, Va - October 15, 2007
Corporate America is as diverse as ever. An unprecedented number of workers from four generations–Veterans, Baby Boomers, Gen Xers and Millennials– are working along side of one another and they are bringing their own values, goals and communication approaches to the work place. Such generational dynamics in the workplace affect morale, productivity, recruiting and retention. Employers are facing immediate challenges when it comes to optimizing productivity, protecting their bottom line and positioning their businesses for growth.
ValueOptions created a program to help employers bridge these cultural and demographic hurdles. The program, "Engaging the Multigenerational Workforce" identifies the characteristics and behavioral trends of each age group and it offers best practices on how to effectively train, motivate and communicate to different age groups.
The program uses a CD, online assistance, Web-based educational presentations, a handbook and a suite of other materials. It works in conjunction with its employee assistance program, which provides 24/7 confidential counseling services for employees.
"No longer is there a ‘one size fits all' approach to motivating employees," said Rich Paul, Vice President, Health and Performance Solutions of ValueOptions. "Our program helps companies understand the core values, expectations and behaviors of a multigenerational workforce and how they can effectively communicate to different age groups and maximize the performance level of their workforce."
The development of the program, "Engaging the Multigenerational Workforce" came from a previous study funded by a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. ValueOptions and its partners, Health and Performance Resources and George Washington University conducted the study, "Young Adults in the Workplace" to analyze youth and substance abuse in the workplace.
"Substance use problems experienced by young adults usually develop in concert with other problems – mental health issues, financial crises, and strained personal relationships," said Eric Goplerud, Ph.D., Director, Ensuring Solutions to Alcohol Problems, George Washington University. "Our research identified effective methods to attract young people to the services provided by employee assistance programs so that underlying substance use problems could be addressed as part of a broader problem solving effort. The lessons we learned about targeting services to young people served as a foundation for targeting outreach to every generation in the workplace."
"Engaging the Multigenerational Workforce" can be viewed on ValueOptions' corporate Website at http://www.valueoptions.com/clients/Education_Center.htm.