What possible issues can arise in our organizations if a diversified workforce in terms of age is prevailing? Chart down the possible conflicts that may occur when people from different age groups work together, along with the remedial action you make take being the HR manager to resolve the differences.

We will understand about the age diversity at workplace and then see what are the conflicts that could arise and see the remedial action that could be taken by the HR manager to resolve them

Step-by-step explanation

Any organization today has a diversity of people from different walks of life. Organizations demand more knowledgeable and skilled people irrespective of their age. When an organization accept people from various age categories, then it comes under the age diversity at the workplace. We could say that on organization has work force belonging to age group of 40-60 years as well as the workforce belonging to age group of 20-40 years. So the ability to manage both these age groups at the workplace is known as age diversity. There could be some conflicts that arise between these groups. Let us see them in detail.

1. Lack of communication : This is one of the common conflict that arise in age diversity. It happens because employees don't communicate mutually may be because of their ego or less teamwork. People of different ages have different mindsets so their level of communication is also depend on it. For example, if a manger is of the younger age due to his education and skills, then the senior employees may not be able to communicate with him properly due to the age barrier. Language is another cause of conflict among people at workplace. We have often seen that people with regional languages make groups which acts as a barrier for the whole communication.
2. Resistance to change : It is the mindset of common human that he resist any change. When someone is working with the same methods for many years, then it becomes difficult to change their resistance nature. Senior and old employees in the organization do not like change and they do not want to change their working style as per the newer methods. They do not accept the reality that technology is being taken over. The rift came when they have to learn these new systems from the younger generation. This is biggest disadvantage and a cause of conflict between them.
3. Group making : It is one of the common disadvantage of the age diversifies environment. When teams are formed from the different age groups, then the aim behind it is to enable them to work collectively with a mutual understanding. But employees start making groups among the teams with their age category. This happens due to common experience, language and social status among them. They feel more comfortable with their own age group. It is a huge problem for the company as it hinders the growth of the organization.
4. Personal Prejudice : Each person's culture and background along with his age can root the certain prejudices in his mind. That cause a barrier for them to change and adopt the new environment. It acts as a conflict in the healthy work environment. The workplace is totally different today from the workplace of 60's. These issues of prejudices are need to resolved politely and openly so that these issues of prejudices and harassments have to be resolved at the earliest.
5. Diverse opinions : Different and diverse ways of work create conflict among the employees. There are various opinions lying from different age groups backed by different factors. Senior employees are often risk aversions and younger employees are ready to take the risk so their opinions differ in these ways. It is a human nature that people prefer to go along with such persons that share common opinions and nature. Also same gender of same age group get along into a group which is not good for the workplace and often create conflict among the members.
6. No social mingling : When employees of the same age group tend to be only with their own age group and does not communicate and mingle with others during the informal hours then it create problems. Some times it is healthy to have a common chat among various age groups during the break. But when these things do not happen and employees do not socially interact with each other, then they miss knowledge sharing, new and better ideas, exposure which reduced the productivity of the company.

Remedial action : To remove the conflicts that could arise in the workplace due to age diversity, Following remedial actions could be taken by the HR manger to remove them. Let us see them in detail.

1. Facilitate stronger communication network : We know that different generations have different styles of communication. It becomes frustrating for the employees when they faced difficulty in communicating their message to the managers. So it could result in grudges and resentment at the workplace. Standardization and formalization are important but employees must be allowed to communicate easily with members of Vertical and Horizontal chains in their respective organizations.
2. Promote team work : It is the duty of the HR manager to see that how teams are performing and check their team should work collectively and no sub groups have been formed in the teams. Expectations from the team should be clearly communicated so everyone know what is expected from them. Make them understand the importance and value of working together as a team. Praise efforts and team work of the members so that conflicts could not arise.
3. Conflict resolution : Irrespective of the efforts to create a collaborative work environment, there will be some conflicts. A good manager is one who address these conflicts at the earliest and try to resolve them as soon as possible. Managers need to solve the conflicts early so that work is not affected by these. He should try to teach the employees that how they could resolve their issues and maintain a healthy work environment. Appreciating differences and working towards a common goal helps to focus on solutions.
4. Celebrate achievements : It is most common remedial action that could be taken by a HR manager. Every person when he is praised for the work done, feel more motivated and try to put more efforts in the future assignments. A manager should celebrate small as well as large achievements at workplace. It does not have to cost a company to recognize the work of the employees . A simple thank you, pat at back, announcement can boost the motivation of morale among all generations.
5. Nurture employee relationship : When different age groups are working, then there is a need to invest time in nurturing the relationship between the employees. The organizations which create opportunities for the employees to bond socially is often overcome the conflicts arise due to age diversity. By planning fun hangouts, leisure activities, official dine-outs, lunches and so on, where employees from all age-groups are invited, an organization can construct a friendly and enjoyable work environment.

In all the above mentioned ways, conflicts arisen at the workplace could be removed.