How to Thrive Among Younger Coworkers

By Roberta Chinsky Matuson
for Yahoo! HotJobs

If you can recall the words to Rod Stewart's 1988 hit "Forever Young," then you are old enough to remember a time when you were one of the younger people in your company. Flash forward 20 years, and younger coworkers may now consider you "elderly." Have you aged or has the workplace gotten younger? Most likely it is a combination of both.

This scenario is occurring all across America as boomers retire and younger workers take their place. Your career does not have to be on the decline because you are older than 40. Here are some tips to thrive in a work environment dominated by younger workers.

Be a Mentor

If you have made it this far in business, you know how tough the climb can be. Find a young person in the organization who is seeking a mentor and offer to guide her through the political minefields. Volunteer to start a formal mentoring program for your firm if one does not exist. Be seen as the "go to" person for guidance, and you will soon find yourself back with the "in" crowd.

Remain Relevant

It is easier to keep doing things the way you have always done them than to change. But change may be exactly what is required to work most effectively with younger people. When engaging in projects together, seek their advice and apply their suggestions. Before you know it, you will be considered just another one of the "guys" on the team.

Stay Vital

Band together and take action. Employee resource groups (ERGs) are slowly popping up for workers over age 40. Members are bringing attention to issues associated with aging workers. These groups are becoming a vital resource for those companies seeking to better understand their aging customer base. Be a pioneer. If your firm does not have a task force working on this issue, then start one.

No Kid Treatment

In many situations, team members and even your boss may be the age of your children. However, they are not your children. If you treat them like your kids, they will start acting like your kids.

Be aware of your body language. Are you wagging your finger in front of their face when speaking to them? Are you walking away as they respond to your question? If you want their respect, show them respect. Maintain eye contact during your conversations, and keep your hands by your side. Treat them the same way you treat your peers and your elders.

Update Your Look

One of the few things that has not changed in business is first impressions. If shoulder pads were all the rage the last time you shopped for clothes, then it is time to freshen your look. Select clothing that flatters your figure and not that of a 20-year-old. Purchase new accessories and perhaps a pair of shoes. Consider updating your hair. A new cut can do wonders to your overall image.

The next 20 years of work can be just as rewarding as the first 20 years have been. You cannot stop the aging process, but you can certainly change the way you are viewed in the workplace.

[Copyright, 2008 Human Resource Solutions -- All rights reserved -- Roberta Matuson is an expert at creating intergenerational harmony at work. She is president of Human Resource Solutions, a firm that provides consulting and training to resolve intergenerational conflicts and help companies capitalize on the unique generational perspectives of their workforce. Visit Roberta's blog, Generation Integration.]