Tips for Managing a Multi-Generational Workforce

One of the biggest challenges that companies are facing today involves managing a multi-generational workforce in which different generations are working alongside each other, each at different life and career stages, with different preferences, expectations, work styles, and needs. Leveraging the skills of each generation can add great value to the organization’s bottom line. ZenHR provides you with 6 tips for managing your multi-generational teams.

• UNDERSTAND YOUR WORKFORCE

Familiarize yourself with the key differences between each of the generations that you manage and try to understand the individual preferences of your team members. This understanding can be a strong starting point for building a healthy multi-generational workplace.

• ENABLE CROSS-GENERATIONAL MENTORING

Create a mentoring program where employees from all generations can share their knowledge and experiences with their colleagues so that all generations can learn from each other. 

• AVOID STEREOTYPES

Remember that multi-generational teams that consist of professionals with fresh minds combined with those who possess great long experiences can bring great value to your organization, so make sure that you are aware of the common stereotypes linked with multi-generational teams.

• ENCOURAGE COLLABORATIVE WORKING

Create a collaborative mindset at work, where different generations see each other as partners rather than subjects of a rigid hierarchical system. This way they can all benefit from fresh and innovative ideas coupled with experience and wisdom.

• BE FLEXIBLE

You have to be flexible and able to accommodate the different needs and preferences of your different generations. Make sure to give all of your generations an equal opportunity to voice what they need.

• USE DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION APPROACHES

Utilize the many available communication tools, both advanced and traditional to cater to the different needs of your different generations.