Apparently, the first thing we need to prepare for the four-generation workplace, is a new vocabulary!

 

People used to criticize "political correctness" as an insincere attempt at being inclusive. Critics said that attempts to ask people to change their language were just limiting freedom of expression.

 

On the upside, I think people are more careful about what they say and how their comments reflect on their characters after the "political correctness" of the 1990s challenged people to think before they speak.

 

It's hard to believe that, post-politcal correctness, in some work environments, older workers are still hearing comments like these:

 

"the old woman"

"that old goat"

"too long on the job"

"old and tired"

"a sleepy kind of guy with no pizzazz"

"an old fart"

 

Or they hear how much more valuable younger workers are through comments like these:

 

"We need young blood around here"

"Let's make room for some MBAs"

"Let's bring in the young guns."

 

These are the comments age discrimination lawsuits are based on. The kind of cases that, in 2006 alone, cost US companies $51.5 million in damages plus legal expenses, says  Bob McCann, an associate professor of management communication at the USC Marshall School of Business.

 

More important than the money, McCann contends is the damage the ageist language causes. To companies, it has a negative impact on employee productivity and corporate profits. For individuals on the receiving end, exposure to ageist comments can cause everything from reduced life satisfaction to lowered self-esteem and depression.

 

I am not sure that comments taken from law suit records proves that ageism is everywhere.

 

Age is often part of the good-natured teasing that exists on lots of intergenerational workplace teams.

 

Today, for example, I heard a story about the youngest member of an investment banking department who recently celebrated her birthday. After presenting her with a cupcake with one candle, her much older colleague asked, "Are you old enough to drive yet?"

 

She was just thrilled with the entertaining old goat's teasing.

 

So, as we prepare for the four-generation workplace, do we train people how to use their language? Do we teach them about social team dynamics? Or, do we talk about using sensitivity toward individuals wisely?