Become an “Age Smart” Employer

With four to five generations working together for really the first time in our history, organizations are challenged to maximize the incredible power that exists when these forces are aligned. But it’s not easy as each age group has their own life experiences that shape how they communicate, how they learn, how they access information and how they operate within the confines of team.

When it comes to communication which is the heart of all interactions:

Gen Z are looking for quick responses using a variety of messaging platforms.

 Millennials also prefer digital platforms including email, with many finding phones inefficient.

Gen X use what ever method is most productive and seem to be informal and concise.

Boomers often choose a more formal approach and use the most efficient medium to communicate, including phone and face to face.

Such diversity often leads to misunderstanding.  Miscommunication is common as each generation can interpret a similar concept in very different ways.  For example, a seasoned individual often finds it disconcerting when a younger colleague uses emojis and is unaware of punctuation errors.  Those who are a bit older, might interpret this as a lack of attention to detail.  I read recently that the younger generations find the use of a “period” to be aggressive.

Any mis-perception causes unnecessary tension or worse yet can cause a complete breakdown in communication that can lead to inefficiency and missed opportunities.  All generations and all communication styles are of value.  They simply need to be shared and understood.

Generational diversity is a strength that can enrich an organization’s culture.  It can drive innovation and improve problem solving efforts.  Addressing generational differences does more than mitigate the challenges faced today, it encourages people to embrace diversity and work together to propel your organization forward.  And with a little guidance your multi-generational team can very quickly become the high-performance team that leads your organization to unimaginable levels of success.

Become and Age Smart Employer today and learn how to bridge the generational gaps.  Become the employer of choice for all generations and maximize the power that lives within your organization.