Nowadays, you can see more employees working well beyond 70 years of age and new school pass outs primarily entering the workforce. In this scenario, one of the biggest challenges that organizations face is effectively managing a multigenerational workforce.
Generation differences can easily lead to conflicts in the workplace. The gap between them will decrease only when there is a good bond and friendship among the employees. Distinct groups of employees will have varied expectations when it comes to the workplace and culture.
Each generation has its own experience, working style, expectations, worldview, and motivations. To manage and bring them together as a team, you have to get familiar with the employees’ different work styles. Beyond all this, each one of these generations comes with incomparable strengths when it comes to management.
Here are a few tips on managing a multi-generational workforce that can lead to good teamwork:
Encourage Open Communication
Build a company culture that encourages open dialogue, which can help eliminate the barriers between generations. It is one of the keys to managing a multigenerational workforce effectively. Preconceived perceptions, thoughts, and judgments can easily be dissolved through simple interactions.
Different generations choose different ways to communicate, which can vary significantly. While baby boomers are comfortable with emails, millennials prefer plain texts, while Gen Z goes for a different medium in the form of blogs, videos, and webcasts. You must make sure this difference does not drive them apart.
Forget About Stereotypes
Stereotypes can give rise to generalizations, and it can hinder people’s interactions and connectivity. Gen Y and Z may think that the older generations are inflexible, while the latter may think the others are spoilt kids attached to their gadgets. It can cause a big disconnect and break the spirit of working together.
And you must hold back from committing the same mistake. Look at the employees beyond their labels and don’t go assuming that anyone needs special treatment. Instead of focusing on their differences, get to know them individually.
A team with a multigenerational workforce can bring in many opportunities for the business. When you have both fresh thinking and experience in hand, you can work effectively as a team.
Keep The Feedbacks Going
Feedbacks are not just limited to the millennials. You can follow this methodology for all types of generations in your workforce. Provide them constant specific feedbacks that can be constructive. It will help them improve their performance and enhance their skills.
Lay Down The Expectations
When it comes to managing a multigenerational workforce, you must make sure that you work together as a team to run a successful business. No matter which generation they belong to, all the employees should work for and towards the business goals.
They must have a clear understanding of the goals and strategies. You may set their expectations in an earlier stage and keep bringing them to light often. Everybody should know where they are at and take accountability for their actions.
Work With Flexibility
Every employee will have various professional and personal needs, no matter which generation they belong to. Take time to listen and understand them to render them support with the required equipment and tools. Make flexibility a part of your organizational culture.
Equal Opportunity To Voice Out
Older generations may have hesitations when it comes to sharing thoughts, issues, and feedback. But the younger generations will expect the employers to respect their share of voice. For this reason, many organizations have transitioned from one-way communications to an open two-way framework.
Every employee in your team, whatever their age, is committed to your organization with the willingness to achieve a common goal. You have to manage them in such a way so that you will inspire them to work together as a team and contribute quality work to your company.