A multiple generation workforce will test the limits of company perks and benefits. The key to success is flexibility.

“Small business are the backbone of the U.S. economy, yet they face serious financial and creative challenges associated with providing employee benefits packages,” says Ken Jautz, executive vice president of CNN News Group’s business news operations. “To retain top talent, remain competitive and grow financially, these businesses must be resourceful to keep employees satisfied.”

Each generation—seniors, boomers and Gen Xers—has different needs. If you want to attract the best and brightest from each generation, you’ll need to design company policies that satisfy those needs.

For instance, common policies that encourage early retirement of older workers run directly counter to what’s needed to cope with future shortages of talent and experience. So develop policies that encourage seniors and near-retirement boomers to stay on the job in some capacity.

“Everyone—employers, older workers and the nation—will benefit from an effective pro-work plan for older workers,” says Charles E.M. Kolb, president of the Committee for Economic Development (CED).

Those pro-work policies might include job sharing. Many boomers need personal time to care for aging parents. Gen Xers are likely to want time to care for their kids. A boomer and a Gen Xer sharing a job could give both the time they need away from work. Splitting one full-time job into two part-time jobs could help keep mature workers on the job longer.

Work-life balance policies appeal to all ages. Instead of assigning a set number of sick days and vacation days, give workers a “bank” of hours to use as they want. That offers flexibility.

To help keep your multi-age employees energized and enthusiastic, develop career paths for young workers and new skills training for older employees.

If you’re not sure what your employees need or want in terms of perks and benefits, just ask. A company policy of open communication will do wonders to keep all ages of employees happy.