Older workers in multi-generational environments: Challenges and opportunities in organizations

Abstract

The impact of rapid technological change on various populations, especially the aging segment, is one of the challenges of the 21st century. This study aims to identify the main challenges faced by long-serving workers in multi-generational teams. The research fills a gap in the literature by comprehensively compiling knowledge on the challenges of long-serving workers and offers insights for managing multigenerational teams. Employing an integrative review of data from Scopus, Web of Science, Ebsco, and Scielo, 69 articles were analyzed. Six categories of challenges emerged as results: ageism, reduced development opportunities, adaptation to new technological demands, intergenerational conflicts, organizational culture indifferent to multigenerationality, and the health and well-being of the long-serving worker. The study suggests various strategies for tackling these challenges, including policies to value long-serving workers, promoting inclusive training, encouraging intrapreneurship, and creating an inclusive organizational culture. The practical suggestions proposed in the article can inspire managers to develop inclusive policies that value age diversity, promoting fair and productive working environments for organizations and long-serving workers.