Walk into any business these days and you’re apt to see staff from many different generations working side by side. While young people continue to enter the workforce, many people of retirement age are still employed. Baby boomers (born between 1946 to 1964), generation Xers (born between 1965 and 1980), generation Y (born between 1981 and 2000), and generation Z (born after 2001) work together in many environments.
With so many generations working together, one of the most important questions is how to encourage a working culture that’s positive for the whole team. Read on for some of the best ideas to build a great intergenerational workplace.
1. See staff as individuals
Rather than trying to see employees as members of a particular generation, look at them as individuals. Granted, some of their life experiences and attitudes may relate to when they were born, but everyone will have their own set of skills that they can offer. Evaluate how each worker performs on the job, along with their outlook and values. Every team member brings something unique to the workplace.
2. Identify and accept differences
Understand that there will be a variety of mindsets and ideologies in a multigenerational workforce. While younger generations may feel invincible, staff from more recent generations may be faster to give their opinions or ask tough questions. The social and political context that each generation was raised in will have some bearing on their different attitudes. Be sure to welcome all viewpoints and input for a stronger and more effective team.
3. Appreciate similarities
While everyone is unique in their own way, make sure that you don’t overlook the similarities between employees in diverse age groups. You’re likely to find that your staff members share some common goals. When you think about it, most people are looking for a position where they can use and grow their competencies, earn a livable wage, gain respect, and have a chance to do meaningful work. Plus, the majority of people in the workforce are eager to be engaged in their day-to-day work and with their colleagues.
4. Forget stereotypes
It can be all too easy to categorize people according to the generation they belong to. This type of thinking can also show up between employees from different age groups. As a leader, you need to be able to put your judgments aside and model an open attitude. This can help dispel any myths about what someone is or isn’t like based on what decade they were born. If not, you may inadvertently sanction stereotyping and do your workers a disservice.
5. Educate your employees
Breaking down barriers between generations is more than just demonstrating inclusivity. Workers will develop a better appreciation for the expertise of their peers across different ages when they can learn to communicate effectively. Help address knowledge gaps and overcome narrow perceptions by giving your staff some soft skills training like reflective listening and critical thinking to improve their interpersonal communication and ability to work closely together.
6. Support collaboration
Bridging a generational divide includes actively creating ways for people of different ages to collaborate. A simple idea is to give individuals the chance to ask a colleague a few questions privately at a meeting and then introduce them to the rest of the team. You can try various team-building ideas to help employees get to know one another. Beyond ice-breaking exercises, be sure to build cross-generational work teams to promote synergy.
7. Create mentorship opportunities
An excellent way to harness the value that divergent generations bring to the workplace is to launch a mentoring program. The advantage of a formal approach is that more people can participate, either as mentors or mentees. These supportive relationships rely on making a good match between two individuals and can work quite well across generations. This will give the message that everyone can learn from one another and nurture a co-worker regardless of the generation they hail from. Of course, informal mentoring setups have their place too.
8. Remember the big picture
Focus on the mission of the company and remain forward-thinking. Remind your staff about the big picture and the importance of everyone pulling together to achieve a common goal. By displaying this mentality, you’re encouraging a sense of camaraderie. Even if workers have different approaches, you’ll reinforce the idea that each staff member has a critical role to play and that the company is stronger when employees are driven by the same vision. Talking about the big picture will boost teamwork, and individuals will be more inclined to problem-solve and celebrate achievements together.
In closing
By recognizing and nurturing the inspiring mix of backgrounds and abilities that staff members of different generations bring, you’ll be on the fast track to establishing a positive culture.
Bill Malloy 