A multi-generational workplace has increasingly become common in contemporary business. There are five generations in today’s workplace, namely: Traditionalist (1927-1945), Baby Boomers (1946-1964), Generation X (1965-1978), Generation Y/Millennials (1979-1996), and Generation Z (1997 to Present). The workplace has become diverse and multi-generational as generations Y and Z enter the workforce with Traditionalist generation has not retired yet.
Each generation has its own experiences that happened through their time that shaped their way of approaching things. Those who were born in 1927-1945 were called Traditionalist or Veterans as this generation was brought about during the tough economic time of the world. They experienced war rationing and difficulties in their formative years, so they are known as frugal, hardworking, and loyal employees.
The next generation, which is born in 1946-1964 is called Baby Boomers, this generation grew up during the times of economic and educational growth. They attended school in traditional system and as they developed into adults, they faced social upheaval and change. They also resisted traditional gender roles as more women entered the workforce. This generation differs from the earlier generation that is frugal, making this generation’s financial philosophy to be “buy now, pay later”.
Generation X followed, with those born in the year 1965-1978. This generation is said to be financially conservative, having learned from the last generation’s mistake. Generation Y or Millennials were next, born in the year 1979-1996. Millennials are the most educated and the most technologically sophisticated, having grown in an era of technology and in the world of computers. Their financial motto could be “Earn it, spend it”, as they were not as concerned as the previous generation. The last generation is Generation Z, which is born in the year 1997 to Present. This generation is known for its widespread use of internet starting from a young age.
While working in a multi-generational workplace, conflicts are unavoidable because of a diverse age group co-existing in an organization. According to Haydn Shaw, there are 12 sticking points that is present in a multi-generational workplace. Sticking points are aspects where friction and disagreement usually occurs between generations. These sticking points are: Communication, Decision-making, Dress Code, Giving and Receiving feedback, Fun at work, Knowledge Transfer, Loyalty, Meetings, Policies, Respect, Training, and Work Ethic. Conflicts usually arise because there are differences in perspectives and attitudes towards certain problems, arising from each generation’s upbringing.
In managing a Multi-generational workplace, several factors are used by leaders to successfully handle employees. Understanding is one way of dealing with different generations in the workplace, since each generation has its own concerns and common preferences.
Another action that can be done is through training and mentoring. Employers can teach their employees on how to interact with one another on a more individual level to better understand one another. Mentoring newly hired employees through formal mentoring programs is also one way of improving generational understanding. Valuing differences is also important., Organizations should conduct informal activities that can help build rapport and create a culture of openness among different age groups.
Working, in itself, is not an easy task and being able to dynamically co-exist in a multi-generation workplace is sure a challenge. However, through proper communication and other factors accommodating generational division, this will be most likely not become an issue.
Also, on that note Trendseekers launched a survey focusing on multi-generational workplaces in different industries.. If you are already working, you can answer the survey by clicking here. Don’t forget to check the next polls Trendseekers will launch, just click here.
Happy working!
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