#081: Are Multi-generational Workforces a Blueprint for Diversity or Divergence?

Introduction

One of the biggest challenges facing team and organisation leaders today is what is known as the multigenerational workplace.

This is where there are people of different age groups working alongside each other.

While this has always existed to some extent in the workplace, today there is a bigger diversity of values, communication styles, and preferred methods of working than ever before.

It even stretches to differences in how employees dress for work.

That's why, in the multigenerational workforce, understanding the needs and preferences of different age groups is essential to building cohesive teams.

So, in today's newsletter, we're giving you 10 videos to bring you up to scratch...

01. "Who Are the Generations and How Are They Named and Formed?" from Ryan Jenkins

Did you know that 75% of managers report that managing multigenerational teams is a challenge? Additionally, 77% of workers identify "different work expectations across generations" as a challenge?

02. "Managing Millnnials - 3 Reasons Not to Freak Out"

There's a lot of discussion around millennials entering the workplace which seems to focus on a bit of panic and worry. In this video, Jacob talks about three reasons why you and your organization shouldn't freak out about millennials entering the workplace.

03. "Why Embrace Workplace Generational Differences?" from AIHR

In this video, we list and describe the generations currently making up the workforce, the way they relate to work, and how each generation should be handled best in order to improve organizational performance.

04. "How to Manage 5 Generations in the Modern Workplace" from Bython Media

With several generations working side-by-side, it’s essential to consider how their typical workstyles and needs might differ since each generation has distinct experiences and preferences, especially when it comes to technology.

05. "Who is Generation Z? 4 Big Ways They Will Be Different (Part 1)" from Ryan Jenkins

Generation Z is the post-Millennial generation and is loosely defined as those born after 1998. Thanks to connectivity, they have a limitless interest in avenues for learning...

06. "Who is Generation Z? 4 Big Ways They Will Be Different (Part 2)" from Ryan Jenkins

There are 4 big ways in which Generation Z will be different from every other generation at work. They will be smaller, more diverse, more global, and will influence other people's behaviour in a big way.

07. "Generation Z - Who Are They?" from We Grow People

Generation Z is the most diverse and inclusive generation yet. At around 23 million strong, they currently constitute 25% of the population. And within the next five years, they will be the fastest-growing group in both the workplace and marketplace.

08. "Generation Z vs Millennials - What Are the Differences?" from We Grow People

This video outlines the differences between the Yers and Zers so you know how to adjust your business, marketing, and leadership accordingly.

09. "How to Sell to Generation Z in Easy Ways" from We Grow People

By 2022, 40% of all consumers will be Generation Z. In order to sell to this generation, we need to be “speaking their language.” This video will look at easy ways to do just that.

10. "How to Engage Gen Z and Younger Employees" from Galen Emanuele

A frequently asked question: How do you engage Gen Z and younger employees? Like many things, it boils down to the basics of employee engagement. Here are my thoughts and three ways to engage younger employees meaningfully while leveraging their voices and skills.

What Next?

With different values, ambitions, and experiences, the multigenerational workforce can be a recipe for disharmony, division, and conflict.

To manage people with so many differences in outlook requires understanding, acceptance, and skill.

That's why you should regularly build your knowledge of this and other People Skills. With short daily snippets of learning, plus practice, review, and feedback, you will be amazed by how quickly you will become fully competent and confident in managing your multigenerational workforce.

Well done and good luck!