Challenges in managing a multigenerational and diverse workforce

The author analyzes how demographic changes in different parts of Asia have led to a workforce that is increasingly multigenerational and diverse. This creates both challenges and opportunities for managers. Given the geographic vastness and diversity of Asia, the author takes a brief look at demographic change in its different regions - Central Asia, East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and West Asia. The author examines one country from each region and a major employer from that country. Companies across Asia are emphasizing continuing learning and a more inclusive workforce. There is an increased emphasis on automation and digitization in countries with older populations. Demographic change across regions creates possibilities for companies to diversify their value chains to take advantage of differential aging. It is important for managers to realize that an aging and multigenerational workforce can lead to not only challenges but also opportunities to make the workforce more productive and inclusive.