Introducing AGES: Our New Associate Resource Team

AgesAssociates of all AGES support JcPenney’s vision to be America’s top choice for great style at compelling prices

From Traditionalists to Baby Boomers to Gen X and Gen Y, each generation thinks and works differently. And that can affect the way we communicate with each other.

That’s why our newest Associate Resource Team, AGES, was created: to improve relationships and encourage trust and respect among our four generations of customers and associates.

AGES (All Generations Engaged for Success) held its inaugural event in May at the Home Office. More events are in the works, including lunch-and-learn, networking and mentoring opportunities.

Members of the AGES Steering Committee shared some insights about why they joined the group and how it can help jcpenney be a brand for all ages.

COURTNEY RAMSEY
(GEN X)
SR. TRAINING MANAGER
Sephora inside jcpenney
Home Office

“I’m excited to be part of a group that will help our associates understand each other. As communication barriers are broken down, we’ll collaborate better across the generations. AGES will show current and future associates that jcpenney appreciates generational differences.”

MARK CASSARA
(GEN Y)
SOURCING SPECIAUST
Procurement
Home Office

“AGES can give a voice to all the generations represented by our customers and associates. Our discussions can lead to real change – from the types of products we carry to the messaging we use to reach various markets.”

BECKY HALL
(BABY BOOMER)
VP, PLANNING & ALLOCATION
Family Footwear & Handbags
Home Office

“My team has associates from three generations. I want to learn how to be a better leader, engage better in the technology that they use and stay relevant to my team and company. This is an ART where everyone belongs.”

WHERE DO YOU FIT?

Note: The characteristics of the four generational groups noted here are provided as a reference point and not intended to describe all members of each specific generation.

Traditionalists
(born 1927 -1945)
• Duty before pleasure
• Respect for authority
• Honor/integrity
• Dedicated
• Value loyalty
• Preserve youth

Baby Boomers
(born 1946-1964)
• Live to work
• Optimism
• Team- and process-oriented
• Want convenience

Generation X
(born 1965-1980)
• Work to live
• Self-sufficient attitude
• Think globally
• Willing to take risks and innovate
• Change is the rule more than the exception 

Generation Y
(born 1981 and after)
• Live for the moment
• Diversity is expected
• Technology is the norm – connected 24-7
• Fast-paced multi-taskers
• Civic-minded with street smarts

From JCPenney jlife, August 2011