The unprecedented longevity we are seeing today has brought multiple generations together in the workforce. Organisations already have Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z in their teams. The latest generation, Gen Alpha, will soon join in.
Multidimensional teams also have much to offer organisations from the diversity of perspectives, experiences, and skills they possess. In fact, such teams can help build resilience, productivity, and a learning attitude among employees.
The different needs of different generations
Each generation has different drivers of purpose and motivation. While older generations might be looking for job security and stability, Millennials and Gen Zers tend to look for self-development. Research also reveals what each generation seeks from its leaders:
- Baby Boomers see leaders as strategic thinkers, who might be admired but remain distant.
- Gen Xers look at leaders as role models, who are not scared of problem-solving during difficult times.
- Millennials want leaders who connect with employees for a common purpose.
So, how do you manage and motivate teams where team members have such diverse needs and perceptions?
Harnessing the power of a multigenerational workforce
Embracing a multigenerational workforce can power organisations to respond with agility to the ever-changing corporate landscape while gaining a competitive edge. For this, organisations, especially their HR departments, need to consider strategies to engage multigenerational teams and get the best out of them. Here are some ways that prove effective.
Understand and embrace diversity
Embracing diversity within the workforce is about making each employee feel valued and included. This requires adapting both organisation-wide and interpersonal messaging to meet the preferences and needs of all employees.
For instance, more mature employees might appreciate face-to-face communications, paper-based memos or a phone call, while younger employees prefer emails or text messages. Ensuring inclusivity would also mean conducting team-building events that are accessible and consider the abilities of all age groups.
Foster flexibility
A 2022 survey surprisingly revealed that Gen Zers and Baby Boomers are more likely to prefer in-person, full-time work at the office, while Millennials prefer remote work. Companies that succeed in accommodating the diverse needs and working styles of different generations are more likely to attract and retain top talent.
One option is to offer part-time work or varied schedules that allow caregivers more family time or older employees a phased approach to retirement. Companies unable to offer extra flexibility could consider adaptable shift management, paternity leave, resources for working parents and leave with reduced pay.
Encourage collaboration
Promoting cross-generational teamwork is a great way to build a positive and inclusive work culture. When managers do this, they drive innovation through the mix of perspectives and experience levels.
Head of Human Resources, Axio
Foster collaboration by encouraging employees across age groups to share knowledge. Encourage older employees to share their wide experience, giving younger ones deeper insights into the industry and the company. Also, allow younger employees to guide older ones on innovative strategies and current trends. Mentorship initiatives and pairing of employees for a project from different generations can also help.
Collaboration also enhances chances of career advancement and skill development, which drives business success. Such initiatives help enhance employee engagement and reduce attrition.
The final word
The multigenerational workforce is a microcosm of the society. This makes promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) an important goal for today’s organisations. And this could be a good thing. Gen Z tends to ace at computer literacy, Millennials are known for their communication and problem-solving skills, Gen X is great at leadership and Baby Boomers beat other generations at logical thinking. Businesses stand to gain a lot from nurturing multigenerational teams.