Written by Kurt Gillam, Executive General Manager, PERSOLKELLY Australia
A few weeks ago, two contacts of mine at an event in Sydney discussed respect in the workplace, highlighting the challenge of managing across generations. My more senior contact, the chairman of a large national company, didn’t understand why her direct reports preferred responding to her voicemails with emails. My other contact, the Chief Marketing Officer of a leading digital marketing company, couldn’t understand his preference for phone calls over Whatsapp messaging. This conversation illuminated a common issue in today’s workforce: appreciating and collaborating with colleagues from different generations.
Navigating a Multi-Generational Workforce
In today’s diverse workspace, we find ourselves working alongside five unique generations, each with its own defining traits and values:
- Traditionalists (born before 1946): Known for their loyalty and discipline.
- Baby Boomers (1946-1964): Often characterized as work-centric and highly responsible.
- Generation X (1965-1980): Independent thinkers with a talent for adaptability.
- Millennials (1981-1996): Tech-savvy, ambitious individuals who excel in collaborative work environments.
- Generation Z (born after 1996): A generation of digital natives who prioritize innovation.
Importance of Managing Multi-Generations:
Managing across different age groups is crucial in today’s diverse workplace. Understanding and leveraging the unique strengths and preferences of each generation enhances teamwork and drives organisational success through the following:
- Enhanced Innovation and Problem-Solving: Diverse perspectives foster creativity.
- Broader Skill Sets: Combine traditional skills with modern digital expertise.
- Knowledge Transfer: Older generations mentor younger ones, and vice versa.
- Customer Insight: A diverse workforce better understands and serves a diverse customer base.
- Workplace Flexibility: Tailored policies to improve satisfaction and productivity across the generations.
For any people-leader or human resources professional, it might be useful to consider the following points for effective management:
Challenge Harmful Stereotypes:
- Avoid making assumptions based on age, and educate yourself about different generational experiences.
- Recognise that stereotypes can negatively impact job performance and psychological well-being.
Foster Inclusive Communication:
- Adapt communication methods to accommodate different preferences.
- Encourage open dialogue about communication preferences.
Promote Inter-Generational Collaboration:
- Establish mentorship programs (not just older generations mentoring younger ones) and diverse team projects.
- Facilitate mutual learning and knowledge sharing.
Respect Boundaries:
- Acknowledge and respect varying comfort levels when discussing diversity and mental health topics.
- Create a psychologically safe environment for open discussions.
Avoid Playing Favourites:
- Ensure that every voice is heard in meetings and promptly address biases.
- Encourage contributions from all team members, regardless of age or experience.
Managing a multi-generational workforce requires understanding and valuing the unique contributions of each generation. Effective leadership in such a diverse environment fosters innovation, knowledge sharing, and a harmonious workplace. By challenging stereotypes, promoting inclusive communication, encouraging collaboration, respecting boundaries, and avoiding favouritism, leaders can bridge generational gaps and harness the full potential of their teams. Embracing these strategies leads to a more respectful, productive, and progressive workplace.