"They like to reject the rules. The have their own way of doing things," said Dowling. "They tend to look for ways around the system, may not realize the security value and are probably less likely to comply."

On the other hand, Millennials, a group whose young lives were defined by 9/11 and who are comfortable with high-security systems, are more likely to comply, said Dowling. But then there is that impatience and short attention span thing again.

"Queuing problems for instance," said Dowling. "They may be more likely to get frustrated and less likely to comply if that is the case."

Queuing, or waiting in line, can sometimes be an issue in a security system, depending on how entry control works, said Dowling. For example, an optical turnstile or other system of control may have a line. Impatient users may view this as a waste of time and try to gain access through an exit door and bypass the security protocol for entry, he said.

And as for his own Boomer generation?

"A new system comes into place and they have an understanding that it is there for a reason. They are going to use it and use it the right way."

Spoken like a true Boomer.

Can't we all just get along?

All of these different perspectives can no doubt lead to tension among workers. Workplace confrontation is a real concern when it comes to generational differences, according to Matuson.

Understanding different styles of communication is the first step to easing the frustration many older workers may have about their youthful colleagues.

"Some of my more mature clients think younger people are from another planet and don't have any respect for their elders," said Matuson. "I think what some of the older workers need to understand it that it's not that these younger workers don't hear them. It's that they listen in a different way."

In other words, said Matuson, have patience. Understand that while a Millennial is texting in a meeting, he is still listening. He just listens in a different way. If the concept seems a little hard to swallow, consider Matuson's next piece of advice.

"I often say to clients: When is the last time you successfully changed your childrens' ways?' You need to change your approach instead.'"

Joseph A. Kinney, a security consultant, often advises clients to develop mentor programs.

"I think it's great if a 50 year old can just go to lunch with a 20 year old and discuss things," he said.

Hip to be secure

When implementing security policies and systems, corporations need to remember that each generation will see them differently and adhere in their own way. And in some cases, the system may be intimidating for mature employees who aren't used to technology.

Matuson points to a story she heard from an older client who was waiting in a lobby for a job interview. As the watched scores of younger workers breeze through the building's very high-tech screening system, he said he had one thought: "I'm not cool enough to work here."

How effective is a security system if it's keeping potentially valuable employees away? Organizations should remember that when going forward and make sure every group considered in security--and security communication&plans, Matuson said.