Career Blog: Communication
For the first time in history, there are members of 5 distinct generations working side-by-side in McMaster University’s workforce. This poses unique workplace challenges that we can no longer avoid. Here are some startling facts discovered by global researchers:
- 52% of employees say they are least likely to get along with someone from another generation.
- Generational differences can lead to disengagement in the workplace, which in turn can lead to poor communication, poor productivity, leadership miscues and more.
- Never before have we had grandparents working along-side co-workers who are the same age as their grandchildren.
- Never before have we had tools at work that have allowed us to mess up communication through email, texting and social media.
There is good news. By increasing your awareness of the 5 generations, you will recognize what is common and unique to ease into conversations and appreciate each generation’s value and contributions.
Traditionalists
1945-before |
Baby Boomers
1946-1964 |
Generation X
1965-1980 |
Millennials
1981-1996 |
Generation Z
1997-present |
Values: rules, discipline, loyalty, family, patience, delayed reward, duty before pleasure | Values: equal opportunity, optimism, personal growth, extreme loyalty to their children | Values: balance, education, independence, fun, informality, pragmatism, time | Values: global community, personal attention, civic duty, flexibility at work, transparent feedback | Values: safety, realism, self-expression, instant gratification, protective (geo-locating off) |
Work Ethic: dedicated, age equals seniority, hard worker, respect authority | Work Ethic: driven, workaholic, quality, strong work ethic, want to “make a difference” | Work Ethic: work smarter, self-reliant, skeptical, work to live, results focused | Work Ethic: ambitious/confident, multi-tasker, what’s next, extremely tech savvy | Work Ethic: entrepreneurial, multitaskers (5 screens), future focused, loyal |
Tips for Cross Generational Teams
Make sure to talk about generational differences to raise awareness, educate and identify solutions to close the gap. Expand communication strategies (use multiple modes). Offer mentoring opportunities and programs to develop people and facilitate the transfer of knowledge. Create workplace choices and accommodate differences. And lastly, respect each other and focus on team building.
To close generational gaps, we should focus on asking questions:
- What is the individual’s preferred style of communication?
- What are the needs and expectations for each team member?
- How do they expect to be engaged?
Relationships, both between and within generations, must focus on why; why an individual is behaving the way they do. When we focus on why and not “why not”, we will become more accepting, productive, and satisfied. Finding ways for employees of different generations to work together successfully is essential – and possible.
Source: Birkman, Generational Differences
Career Planning