Dive Brief:

• New research finds that the most energized and creative workers are not only the young, age-wise. They are best described as "young at heart," according to an article at Huffington Post.
• But these findings also raise this question: Why do so many work cultures actively undermine the positive energy and vitality that such people bring into their workplaces?
• And which - one would think - companies would value and support in every way possible, writes author Douglas LaBier.

Dive Insight:

A management culture that wants to grow a vibrant, positive workforce can do so, writes LaBier, director of the Center for Progressive Development. For example, he says, management that enables and supports having a sense of impact on the consequences of employees' work -- how and why it matters to the product or service -- appeals to a healthy desire to serve something larger than just your immediate self-interest.

LaBier says that's one source of supporting high energy and collaboration at work. Positive management practices will help sustain the dynamic performance that otherwise appears limited to younger workers -- before they become jaded by adult life in the conventional career culture.