OTAN News
Building Bridges Between Generations in the Workforce
What conversation about workplace challenges is your team avoiding right now? How would your agency benefit from creating a structured opportunity to discuss it more openly?
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Image by Vicki Nunn from Pixabay
Rather than leaning into the story about “the lazy generation” or “old folks stuck in their ways,” it’s important to build empathy and awareness for “the genuine differences that exist between different generations in terms of how they communicate, philosophies toward work, and their facility with technology.” Honoring diverse perspectives creates cohesion and a happier workplace.
Summarized from the article are generational characteristics which are not universal. There’s always an exception to the rule.
Traditionalists/Silent
- Dependable
- Communication Style: handwritten notes instead of email
- Leadership & Experience: Obedience over individualism, age equals seniority
Baby Boomers
- Strong work ethic
- Prefer face-to-face communication: in-person meetings
- Leadership & Experience: Hold senior leadership positions
Generation X
- Independent & Self-Sufficient
- Work-Life Balance Advocates: First generation to emphasize balance between personal and career life.
- Tech-Savvy and Adaptable: Quick to adapt to new technologies.
Millennials
- Tech Savvy & Digitally Connected: Prioritize digital communication tools
- Purpose-Driven & Socially Conscious
- Collaborative & Team-Oriented: Feedback-driven environments
Generation Z
- Digital Natives
- Advocates
- Entrepreneurial & Independent
Generation Alpha
- AI Natives
- Hyper-Personalized Learning
- Future of Work Reimagined
Effective managers ...
...adapt their management styles to different generational needs
...encourage dialogue between age groups
...are flexible with choices as far as professional development.