Generation mix

Could Daltry and Townsend be wrong?

Maybe not entirely, but a new CareerBuilder survey reports that 43% of workers ages 35 and up work for a boss younger than them. Breaking down age groups, 53% of workers ages 45 and up said they have a boss younger than them, followed by 69% of workers ages 55 and up.

The survey was conducted Nov. 5-23, 2009, among more than 5,200 workers. Harris Interactive conducted the survey.

“As companies emerge from this recession, it is important for employees to work together and move the business forward, regardless of their age,” Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder, said in a statement. “With so many different age groups present, challenges can arise. Younger and older workers both need to recognize the value that each group brings to the table. By looking past their differences and focusing on their strengths, workers of any age can mutually benefit from those around them, creating a more cohesive workplace.”

KEY FINDINGS
• Occasionally, the younger boss, older worker situation can create challenges, with 16% of workers ages 25-34 said they find it difficult to take direction from a boss younger than them, while 13% of workers ages 35-44 said the same.

• Only 7% of workers ages 45-54 and 5 percent of workers ages 55 and up indicated they had difficulty taking direction from a younger boss.

• Challenges of working for a younger boss include: They act like they know more than me when they don’t; They act like they’re entitled and didn’t earn their position; They micromanage; They play favorites with younger workers; and, They don’t give me enough direction.