Corporations today have two sets of employees – the 20 something of Gen Y and Baby Boomers. The biggest difference in these two groups is how they view diversity in a corporations. Whereas Baby Boomers are proud to members of affinity groups, the younger generation are hesitant to associate themselves with identity based groups.

Generation Y, is a bit insensitive to Baby Boomers. They cannot understand what is the big deal about affinity groups in their companies. It is important to understand that generation Y did not go through the social movements – civil rights or affirmative action. Since they did not experience the struggle of these times, they are not able driven by their impact. Equality for them is their Birth Right.

Another factor is that Generation Y is grew up in a far more accepting world. They are more open to gender, race, religion and sexual orientation. These are not the cornerstones of their identity.

For corporations, it is important to reconsider their agendas for the engaging the younger generation. Plus the Baby boomers need to present the historical conversations to the Gen Y.

The identity dilemma faced by employers in the workforce can only be resolved by recognizing the opportunity of how far we have come and we need to redefine identity in the workplace….