Writing # 3? Peer Review - Not Reviewed

Today our workforce consists of four, or in some cases, five generations that are working together in one of the most technological eras in history. While we may, as a society, be facing digital divide issues head-on, the facility management industry hasn't effectively addressed the realities. To create an effective built environment, facilities managers must acknowledge and embrace technological convergence, by effectively balancing new technology with "old ways". Inclusion (Cross-generational leadership) in the workplace is one of the largest hurdles that the facility management industry faces.

According to Bridging the Generation Gap five generations consists of Radio Babies (1930-1945), Baby Boomers (1946-1964), Generation X (1965-1976), Generation Y (1977-1990), and Millennials (1991 to present). There are other definitions that Radio babies, also called the Silent Generation. This generation is most notable of being born during the great depression and fighting in the Korean War. "Youth today is waiting for the hand of fate to fall on its shoulders, meanwhile working fairly hard and saying almost nothing. The most startling fact about the younger generation is its silence." (Time November 5, 1951 | Vol. LVIII No. 19)

In the facility management industry there are easily five generations that are working together in one environment. It is entirely possible to have a Radio Baby that works in a mechanic room who has been in the job for 40 or 50 years, depending on when they started the job, this same position could be occupied by an apprentice that is 16 years old, this is one of the unique traits of Facility Management. One prime example of this is Pratt Institute located in Brooklyn, New York. The Steam Plant Chief Engineer, Conrad Milster has worked in the facility since 1959, he began working at the age of 23. Today at 78 he works side by side with college freshman, even some high school seniors from Brooklyn Tech High school who are learning about engineering; he is a great source of information if he is asked.

Works Cited (to be inserted later)

Conrad Interview --- http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5076759