A recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center’s Social and Demographic Trends shows that 93% of the growth in the US work force from 2006 to 2016 will be among older workers, ages 55 and older. While these “older adults” are working longer, younger adults are staying out of the work force longer. These trends have intensified during the recession and are expected to continue.

Interestingly, older workers are more satisfied with their jobs: 54% of those age 65 and older say they are completely satisfied, compared to 29% of workers age 16 to 64. And 68% of older workers say are working because they want to feel useful and productive, not because they need to.

What are the implications of this unexpected trend?

First and foremost, being adaptable and learning agile will be very important for EVERYONE, regardless of age or years of experience. No one can afford to feel too comfortable.

Younger workers are finding that getting a good job is not a easy thing. They need to build a track record of achievement by taking on challenging assignments during their college years: finding good internships, both paid and unpaid, volunteering for stretch experiences, and interacting with executives who can offer meaningful insights and advice, perhaps even open doors.

Change is constant; organizations are in flux. Companies are becoming more market focused; workers have more accountability, not less, and greater responsbility early on. Most leaders want to work with people who are curious and creative, who care about their jobs, and understand the benefits of getting involved.

There are lots of ways to become engaged and relevant. But it takes a conscious focus - whether you are a Gen Yer or a Baby Boomer. And generations can teach and learn from each other.

In a news conference of women leaders at Reuters, Janet Hanson, CEO of 85 Broads, shared a startling insight. Gen Yers see the world differently. According to Hanson, the twenty-somethings have technology in their DNA.

“I have so appreciated and valued the contribution that young people make. The opportunities and risks for business are obvious. It’s about seeing there will be either a generational alignment or a generational divide.”

For the sake of building great businesses and careers, alignment is much preferred and is up to all of us. A CEO in the media industry said, “We teach the younger professionals in our company about business, and they teach us how members of their generation are using media.” Working across departments and generational lines keeps us in touch with the realities and emerging opportunities in business.