Escaping generational conflict: using gamification to examine intergenerational communication & problem-solving

In a global, interconnected, multi-generational, and multi-cultural workforce, it is increasingly important to understand what conditions foster success on diverse teams. This study seeks to understand how generational diversity impacts team performance. While there are growing bodies of research on the perceived challenges and opportunities of five generations working together in the workforce, few studies have tested, experientially, how generational diversity impacts results. To examine this relationship, an escape room was set up in a utility company in the Southeastern United States. Ten percent of the company’s workforce (n=60 employees) were grouped into same generation and intergenerational teams to play the game. Half of the intergenerational teams received a 30-minute primer on generational diversity. The simulation measured problem solving capabilities among same generation and intergenerational teams. Findings indicate intergenerational teams, with and without diversity training, were less successful, while same generation teams were more successful overall in problem solving. The 30-minute primer did not make an impact on intergenerational team performance outcomes. This research identifies characteristics of unsuccessful team problem solving including communication styles and levels of engagement. It also makes recommendations for how diversity training, reverse mentoring, and gamification may foster communication and collaboration in generationally diverse teams.