Technology improves cross-generational understanding in the DC

Two Aspen Logistics executives from different generations discussed how new ways of communicating are enabling generations to better relate to each other on the job.

"In order to connect with younger decision makers, you need to take advantage of new technologies," said James Emmerling, executive vice president of Aspen Logisitics, who represented the Baby Boomer Generation. His counterpart, Christopher Ticknor, Aspen's corporate marketing manager, shared how his generation of younger workers uses technology, such as Twitter, Facebook, and other social media sites, to communicate with each other and the outside world.

The two presenters playfully bantered back and forth as they shared differences in the ways each generation relates to work, free time, technological change, and each other. For example, Ticknor said that younger workers not only embraces technology but also actively use it to improve their productivity.

As the economy recovers, Emmerling said that Baby Boomers will soon retire in droves. This will result in "New Gens" slowly assuming decision-maker positions within companies. Companies that can speak these employees' language through their preferred medium open the door to gaining their loyalty.