Five ways to approach generation gap in the workplace
Companies today have young and old working alongside. If an organisation has prevalence of a multi-generational workforce it means that the managers and senior leaders must ensure to drive collaboration, understand the needs of different age groups, and focus on the value they can add.
With such a mix of age groups, who have different style of working, the onus of creating an enabling environment mostly falls on the senior management. Here are some tips from experts on how to bridge the workplace age gap.
Focus on similarities
The basic approach is to focus on similarities and not the differences between the various generations. Experts say core values are likely in alignment regardless of age gape and focusing on these can create open-mindedness and flexibility within company culture.
Keep communication open
Communication is the key in bridging workplace age gap. Experts say team-building exercises, employee social and technical events, and CSR activities are some of the ways that bring the workforce from different generations together.
Encourage mentoring
Creating a strong mentoring platform for all employees and encouraging cross-generational mentoring or reverse mentoring opportunities should be encouraged. Mentoring enables individuals to meet, gain direction and also learn from experiences of other individuals.
Give value to seniors
Senior employees come with their own brand of wisdom and experience. The senior management can leveraged this. Experts say positioning older employees as brand ambassadors of company culture can help in integrating people into the fabric of the company.
Set out expectations clearly
Setting clear role expectations will ensure a fully functional and enabling work environment. Millennials have a thirst to learn and are respectful of older generations. Hence, setting clear role expectations can benefit the organisation as it leads to seamless learning and right role fitment.