With 5 generations active in the workplace, it’s an interesting and unique time to work. Multi-generational workforces aren’t new of course, but the number of generations that are currently working together is a first. How can you help all of your people be more successful? It all comes down to understanding the value that each generation brings to the table.
A diverse team that brings different experience and perspectives is a strength. We have The Silent Generation, Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z all together. This means we have an unprecedented number of varying perspectives, life experiences, and habits. Research has shown that working with people from different backgrounds has a ton of benefits, such as:
• Enhancing decision-making abilities
• Bringing multiple approaches to solving problems
• Collaborating to uncover more innovative ideas
• Improving employee morale and outlook
• Creating stronger relationships between team members
• Educating others
• Generating increased creativity
Instead of reducing people to a generational stereotype, it’s helpful to focus on what everyone can learn from each other. Communicating the right way and demonstrating patience and a desire to learn and grow, are always appreciated—by all people and generations. To understand each other’s point of view, and use it to drive results that benefit your business, here are some important things to remember that ALL generations want:
• Respect
• To be needed
• To belong and have a sense of purpose
• To believe their opinions are valued
• To feel safe
Issues often result when people can’t relate to each other. Multi-generational workforces actually make solving problems a lot easier. It’s worth it to invest the time and effort to understand the challenges each generation faces while also working to see the value their life experience brings. The point where we all began our careers shapes how we approach our work, and what matters most to us. Try not to reduce people to a generational stereotype. Instead, invite discussion and encourage an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their preferences, strengths, and growth areas.
Multi-generational workforces are great opportunities for mentoring programs too—and this goes both ways with experienced and inexperienced staff (and everyone in between). We can all learn from each other. Remind your team that it’s never “you vs. them.” You’re all striving toward a common goal. If older employees are prone to dismissing younger ones (or vice versa), this is where your management team can help shift things. In meetings, you can encourage people to work to understand each other better and feel comfortable speaking up by saying things like:
• “Sam, did you have an idea you wanted to add?”
• “Say more about that. What’s driving you to want to do it this way?”
• “Tell us why you’re thinking about it from this perspective”
Demonstrating communication, a sense of curiosity, humility, and a desire to learn and understand the logic and rationale of others will provide a big benefit to your organization. Try not to shut people down too quickly and try to encourage relationship building where possible. For example, Gen Z might need to be coached on why sometimes you need to pick up the phone and call someone, or why they need to turn on their camera during a meeting. Baby Boomers might need to be coached on why you don’t always have to pick up the phone or have a meeting. The end goal is to encourage respect and purpose for different perspectives and experience. Because when people feel valued, needed, and respected—they stick around and do their best work.
Ask us your HR questions via the online chat tool in the lower left corner of your screen. We love helping growing companies thrive and we love to share what we know.
