Conference to Discuss Aging Workforce

OMAHA - In a society where ageism runs deep, the United States is experiencing an unprecedented change.

A record-number four generations are working together as the number of Millennials continues to grow and older adults delay retirement or re-enter the labor force. At the same time, more families are taking on the responsibility of caring for their parents and grandparents in addition to their children.

This perfect storm of societal shifts, and how it is impacting employer-employee relationships, is the focus of the Fifth Biennial Aging with Passion & Purpose Conference, taking place on Monday, Oct. 19, at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO).

"The goal is to give attendees ideas on how they can support employees both young and old in the workplace," said Julie Masters, Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Gerontology at UNO.

The one-day conference will be held at The Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center (CEC). Check-in begins at 7 a.m. and the program runs from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Registration is $100 and on-campus parking will be provided in the guest lot just north of the CEC.

Additional benefits for those qualifying include continuing education credit from the Nebraska Methodist College, credit hours through the Nebraska Department of Insurance and HR certification credit from the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) and Society for Human Resouce Management (SHRM).

Included at the conference will be a variety of panel discussions and sessions dedicated to multi-generational collaboration.

"It is important to understand that each generation has unique values and characteristics that are shaped by events they share in history while growing up," said Tom McClung, Ph.D., McClung Coaching and Consulting and Conference Presenter. "As a result, each generation tends to look at things through different lenses compared to other generations."

"Today's best places to work recognize differences and find ways to work together to come up with the best solutions," said Laurie Pieper, Director of Human Resources at Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and Conference Planning Committee Member. "In that process, barriers are lifted, stereotypes are eliminated and communication lines are opened. Win. Win."

A short skit featuring four area professionals, each representing a different generation (veteran, Baby Boomer, Generation X, and Millennial), will launch the conference. It will be followed by a practical and engaging presentation by keynote speaker Libby Sartain. Sartain is a leading Human Resource expert having served at Southwest Airlines and Yahoo.

"She has over 30 years of knowledge and expertise on how to overcome obstacles that may come with an intergenerational workforce," said Connie Benjamin, state director for AARP Nebraska.

"Business competes for talent today in a free global marketplace in which traditional definitions of job and employee are increasingly outmoded," Sartain said. "While many influences are bringing about this change, perhaps the most important is the way in which the worker now approaches and engages with work."

To register, or for more information, visit the UNO Department of Gerontology website or call 402.554.2272.

For media inquiries, please contact Charley Reed, UNO Associate Director of Media Relations, at 402.554.2129 or by email at unonews@unomaha.edu.

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha
Located in one of America's best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska's premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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