We are at a time in history when there are now five different generations in the workforce. With different generations, we have individuals with different core motivators, communication styles, and feedback preferences. This leaves the question of, how are we to bridge the gaps across generations in the workplace to have effective management?
Here are the 5 different generations in the workforce today.
- Traditionalists — born 1925 to 1945
- Baby Boomers — born 1946 to 1964
- Generation X — born 1965 to 1980
- Millennials — born 1981 to 2000
- Generation Z — born 2001 to 2020
Traditionalists and Baby Boomers have the lowest percentage of the workforce in the population, making up around 25%. These generations are either retired with a part-time schedule or retiring very soon. Generation Z and Millennials grew up in a world where there has always been the internet (or almost always). This has affected these generations in the way they communicate. For example, they may find face-to-face interactions more time-consuming and an email to be the best way to deliver information. In contrast, Baby Boomers work best with clearly defined work goals and prefer face-to-face efficient communication. When you consider these examples of different generations in one professional setting, you can see the challenges that could arise to productively operate a multigenerational workforce.
To most effectively manage a work environment with multiple generations, you can almost look at it as overseeing a workplace with an array of different personalities. Individuals have different motivations, influences, and communication styles. In order to have a healthy workplace, you have to consider how to respect everyone’s work style productively.
Here are 3 ways to manage a multigenerational workplace:
What are the Motivators
Baby Boomers and Generation Z, for example, have fairly different motivators in the workplace. One operates better with duty and respect. The other, Generation Z, is motivated by a creative and encouraging workplace. No matter what generation you have, it is best to find what work conditions and communication styles are best to motivate and retain your team. Consider asking employees what their professional and personal goals are as a guideline to predict their motivations.
Consider Management Styles
Some generations work best with multiple projects and creative flexibility. Whilst other generations will work better with continuous feedback and clear deadlines. Each generation will have different thoughts about what a good leader should be. Be introspective about what generational management styles your team could possibly find the most effective for their professional growth and productivity.
Develop a Collaborative Environment
When you have a workplace with multiple generations you have a workplace with multiple strengths and weaknesses. Create an environment where these differences are able to make a synergetic setting where skills are being utilized. One generation may have been shaped by their upbringing to have a more direct approach to their work projects and another may really value creatively finding new processes for their work. When you combine what each generation does best they are able to be an incredibly effective team, while also teaching each other new skills.
Other Ways to Manage a Multigenerational Workforce
There are many different resources available to help you better understand the generations in your workplace. You can also directly understand workplace culture by simply asking your team members what styles of communication, environment, and setting they thrive in. Ultimately, when you seek to understand your team and what is best for them that’s when you become a great manager for a multigenerational workforce.