Older Workers – Younger Bosses: Challenges in an Age Diverse Workplace in South Brazil

Abstract

In a graying world, age diverse workplaces are becoming more common, even in Brazil. On the one hand, age diversity in a working group can contribute to a broader range of perspectives and ideas. On the other hand, different generations working together can prove to be challenging, especially when classic hierarchical patterns are reversed, as it is in the case of older workers and younger bosses working together. The present qualitative study in a Brazilian service company examines how this relationship is perceived by both sides, using interviews and focus groups. It is possible to illustrate the self-perception of the aging process on the worker’s side as well as tensions caused by ageism. The findings show that managers are aware of ageism in the workplace, which is, in many situations, also intersected with gender. In addition to these observed tensions and problems, the results also indicate that learning processes towards a new approach to age diverse workplaces can be initiated on both sides.