ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the four generations of employees who work side by side in the workforce, which presents both opportunities and challenges. It examines what is generally meant by "older" and "younger" employees as well as age stereotypes and the impact they have on employees. The chapter discusses age diversity climate in organizations and best-known methods to manage age diversity. Biases about different age groups are typically driven by age stereotypes, or over-generalizations about individuals based on the age group to which they belong. The Age Discrimination Act of 2004 is an Australian law that prohibits employment discrimination against employees of all ages, younger or older. Research studies are in consensus showing that a positive and inclusive age diversity climate is important for organizations. Age discrimination climate reduces employee commitment, which reduces firm performance. The United Kingdom passed the 2010 Equality Act, which superseded and extended the Employment Equality Regulations of 2006.
