Managing Generations in the Workplace
| Course code: | 27-SS-035 |
|---|---|
| Dates: | August 3-28, 2026 Alternate Course Dates |
| Hours: | 16.00 |
| Location: | Online |
| Instructor: | William Draves |
| Fee: | $175.00 |
Description
This course examines the dynamics of today’s multigenerational workforce and provides strategies for effective leadership across age groups. Learners will explore the defining traits of Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, and analyze how generational values influence workplace expectations and communication. Through practical frameworks, the course highlights incentives and engagement strategies that resonate with each group, equipping leaders and team members to bridge generational gaps, strengthen collaboration, and foster a cohesive, productive workplace.
Course Outcomes
- Recognize Boomer, Gen X, Millennial (Gen Y), and Gen Z behaviors and interpret them correctly
- Understand how each generation communicates and what messages they value
- Adjust your leadership and communication style to interact more effectively across generations
- Explain how societal changes influence generational values and workplace behaviors
- Identify non-monetary motivation strategies tailored to today’s workforce
- Communicate more effectively with Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Z
- Build stronger relationships and reduce workplace misunderstandings
- Managers and supervisors leading multigenerational teams
- HR professionals responsible for workplace culture and engagement
- Team leaders seeking to improve communication and collaboration
- Business owners and executives navigating generational dynamics
- Anyone looking to improve their ability to work across generations
Notes
Registration Deadline: Participants can register up to 5 days after the course begins.Course Access: Offered in partnership with LERN. Log in 24/7—no live meetings.
Course Format: Weekly units include readings, audio-slide lectures, self-quizzes, and discussion forums.
Tips for Success: Log in 2–3 times a week and contribute 2–3 thoughtful posts per unit for the best experience.
Recognized Credentials: Earn nationally recognized CEUs from the Learning Resources Network (LERN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association—perfect for meeting professional development goals or licensure requirements.
Cancellation/Refund Policy: VCU Continuing and Professional Education offers this class/certificate in partnership with LERN. Therefore, you may cancel your registration up until you receive your login and password from LERN and receive a full refund minus any credit card processing fees. Cancellations must be received via email at ocpe@vcu.edu
In the unlikely event that this program is cancelled or postponed due to insufficient enrollments or unforeseen circumstances, the university will fully refund registration fees, but cannot be held responsible for any other expenses, including change or cancellation charges to include but not limited to airlines, hotels, travel agencies, or other organizations.
Online courses offered with the Learning Resources Network (LERN) continue to run, as scheduled during inclement weather. If there are changes to meeting status, you will receive an email at the address you provided upon registration informing you of the cancelation.
*exempt-this offering is ineligible for waiver use
Student/Participant Conduct:
Participants are subject to all university policies applicable to students, unless a specific university or VCU Continuing and Professional Education policy explicitly states otherwise. University policies governing students are available at https://vcu.public.doctract.com including:
Interim Student Code of Conduct
Honor System and Standards of Academic Conduct
Preventing and Responding to Discrimination
Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy-Interim
Sex-Based Misconduct Policy-Interim
For Academic Accommodations, please visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/courses/policies.html#accommodations
There are still openings remaining at this time.
