NAWCWD hosts diversity training session

Employees from both China Lake and Point Mugu are gathered in Michelson Lab to discuss the differences among generations. Photo by Staci Mathews.

Date: 13-Mar-08
News Release Number: ECL200803131
By Staci Mathews NAWCWD Public Affairs

The NAWCWD Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Advisory Committee hosted its first "Generational Differences" diversity training workshop on Feb. 26 at China Lake in an effort to help the work force understand generational differences between Traditionalist, Baby Boomer, Generation X and Millennial employees so they can work more effectively as a team.

"Presenting a forum on diversity is important because it allows understanding of the different age groups among our work force," said Capt. Mark Storch, NAWCWD vice commander.

Participants in the Generational Differences diversity training workshop at China Lake were given a specific color based on their generation. Lydia Baca, commissioner of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, holds up the color orange which signifies the Baby Boomer generation and asks the audience what compelling events occurred during that generation. Photo by Staci Mathews.

On behalf of EEO, Lydia Baca and Valerie Harragin, commissioners of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, presented the workshop to employees so they could have the opportunity to learn how different generations think, act and communicate based on experiences and events throughout their lives.

Many employees found differences in learning, and how where you grow up can influence how you communicate. Participants were encouraged to collaborate in small groups to discuss the views of their particular generation, compelling events in their lives, and what they admired most about other generations. "It was very interesting to learn about generational differences in the work force," said Brad Harlow, deputy director for Research and Engineering and Equal Employment Opportunity Advisory Committee chair. "It was great to hear all the discussions about how we can work together better, not despite our generational differences but because of our differences."

Point Mugu held the same training on Feb. 27. Both China Lake and Point Mugu had employees from each competency at each site and filled the room with creative ideas and shared how employees can work more effectively together.

"I was impressed by both groups at China Lake and Point Mugu," said Mary Wedel, deputy equal employment officer. "All the attendees had positive comments about the different generational groups and everyone seemed to learn something from the session."

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