Today, Millenials is the fastest-growing segment of the workforce, expanding from 14% of the workforce in 2004 to 21% today, or nearly 32 million workers.

Applicant pools are larger today than ever before as more people pursue higher levels of education and are therefore better qualified for professional careers. However, due to technological advances, notably in health care, baby boomers are living longer, healthier lives. That means the workforce is packed with individuals from different walks of life, all striving for gradual advancement and stability.

Digital technology is changing not only the way we receive information, but also how we create. Millennials have an innate advantage, having grown up with technology.  Generational discord may become an issue in the workplace; however, a team that successfully and respectfully meshes can reap great rewards.

Statistics show that, today:

• More than 60% of employers say they are experiencing tension between employees from different generations.
• More than 70% of older employees are dismissive of younger workers’ abilities.
• Nearly half of employers say that younger employees are dismissive of the abilities of their older co-workers.

A recent research study entitled, “Intelligent Dialogue: Millennials” notes that “These digital natives grew up using digital technology, and they’re often acting as guides for digital immigrants – people who entered the digital world as adults. Digital immigrants like their information delivered in a linear, logical sequence, but digital natives prefer random access to hyperlinked information.”

This information says a lot about where professionals from each generation are coming from and what you can expect them to bring to the work table. Don’t forget that Millennials grew up in the decade when Time magazine named the computer its Person of the Year. This era has been marked with digital technology breakthroughs that have became mainstream as Blackberries, iPhones, iPods and digital cameras have all become an important part of everyday life.

Ultimately, the goal for any team is to achieve balance in roles and responsibilities. Teams tend to be most successful when a synergy happens between priceless wisdom, experience, fresh creative energy, ideas and invincibility. Everyone is also much happier in the process.