What is a Generational Gap?
To put it simply, generational gap is a difference in values, beliefs and attitudes between people that come from different generations. It is said that every generation has their own unique cultural influences, experiences and events that shape their minds and the view of the world. These differences can often cause misunderstanding and conflicts. Just for example, some older generations may see younger generations as lacking in work ethic, while the other may see out of touch or unable to change perspectives. Even though this happens, it is important to remember the generational gaps are not always negative. They can learn from one another and bring unique perspectives to the table. My being able to learn, respect and understand each other’s differences. We can work on the gap towards a better future.
Five generations that make up the workforce
Any workplace has many employees that come from different generations. Here are the generations that make a powerful team:
1. Traditional ( born before 1946)
These people grew up during the Great Depression and World War Two and are known for their strong work ethic, loyalty and respect for authority.
2. Baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964)
These people grew up during a significant social and political change, such as the Vietnam War and civil rights movement and are known for their workaholic tendencies. Desire for job security and idealism.
3. Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980)
These people grew up at a time of economic change, where technology was introduced to the world and manufacturing jobs were slowly being declined. They are known for their independence and stability.
4. Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996)
These people are often known for being digital natives. Because they grew up with the internet and technology. They are known for loving work life balance, comfort with diversity and inclusion.
5. Gen Z (born after 1997)
These people are just new to joining adulthood. They are known for their amazing knowledge on technology. Social and environmental change and entrepreneurial spirit
How can generational gap affect a business?
Generational gap can affect the way employees communicate and work together. For example, employees who are of age may prefer communicating face to face or on phone calls, while younger employees may prefer a zoom call FaceTime or even texting. Different generations may have different expectations and values when it comes to work. And that some value, loyalty and job stability while others value work life balance and flexibility. Because of these differences, it can sometimes end up causing conflicts and misunderstandings in the workplace and impact productivity and morale as well. It’s important for businesses to address these issues and to foster a culture of respect for differences.
They can do this by offering training and developing programs that promote intergenerational understanding so employees can communicate better and create a flexible work arrangements to fill the needs of all employees. Which creates a more harmonious and productive workplace.
What does generational gap look like in the workplace?
1. Technology usage.
Younger generations may be comfortable with technology and use the latest tools or work well. Older generations may prefer traditional methods of communication and do not like change.
2. Work expectations.
Since older generations have a much more specific expectation on work ethic, they might be stricter and want to follow a civil procedure and resist to any changes that may affect of how comfortable they are with their work routine. While younger generations can easily adapt and will go with the flow
3. Communication styles
As previously previously mentioned, different generations have different preferences on how to communicate at work. This creates a big impact on how employees may want to get message across each other.
4. Attitude towards authority.
Older generations may have a different attitude to authority figures while younger generations approach a more casual and collaborative.
Embracing a multi-generational workforce
1. Diversity of perspectives.
This can bring a diverse range of experiences and perspectives to the table and can lead to better problem solving skills, creativity and innovation. This is because different generations bring their own uniqueness.
2. Knowledge transfer.
Most older employees have great knowledge and experience that can be valuable and help younger employees grow in their career. Companies can encourage passing and skills and company knowledge from one generation to the next to create a better workplace and important knowledge is not lost when employees retire.
3. Improved productivity.
This can lead to improve productivity because each generation brings their own strengths and different work styles. younger employees can help older employees improve their knowledge of technology and older employees can teach new ways to younger employees to build better skills.
4. Increase employee retention.
This can help increase employee retention by creating a more supportive and inclusive workplace that values each employee’s uniqueness and strengths. This also leads to a higher job satisfaction and a greater sense of loyalty and commitment to the company.
5. Better customer relationships.
This helps companies build better relationships with their customers. When a company has employees who represent a diverse range of backgrounds and ages, they can better connect and understand their customers who are also diverse of course.
How to bridge that generational gap in the workplace?
1. Create a culture of respect.
This helps show the value of each employee’s perspectives and contributions a culture of respect can be done through regular communication, team building activities, training programs, and to also encourage inclusivity and trust.
2. Provide ongoing training.
By offering this employees can help bridge the gap by developing new skills and stay up to date with technologies and trends together. Older employees can feel more included and comfortable in trying new things while younger employees can benefit from learning experience and getting wisdom from older employees.
3. Recognise and celebrate diversity.
This can be done through programs and initiatives that can help promote understanding and acceptance. This creates a more positive and supportive workplace that can help boost employees confidence and feel belongingness at their place of work.
More resources and reading materials
- If you would like to learn more abut Generational differences between employees in the workplace, we recommend the website at The Balance Careers with this great post to help you understand more https://www.thebalancecareers.com/understanding-generational-differences-1918857
- Learn the basics of the Generational gap including definition, causes, examples and solutions by Anand Mishra educba: https://www.educba.com/generational-gap/
- Hr Daily Advisor has provided a great resource written by Ivy Wigmore. which will help you also bridge any issues from the generational gap. The post is titled “Bridging the generational divide in the workplace” https://hrdailyadvisor.blr.com/2019/04/29/bridging-the-generational-divide-in-the-workplace/
- We recommend reading this post by Meghan M. Biro where she wrote for Forbes and talks about “Bridging the Generational Divide” https://www.forbes.com/sites/meghanbiro/2018/05/27/bridging-the-generational-divide/?sh=3ce9526d5ba6 It is also helpful in creating a productive generational environment in the workplace.
- The Digital Project Manager has a post called “How to Manage Generational Differences in the workplace” written by Ben Aston which can help learn how to manage these teams. https://thedigitalprojectmanager.com/how-to-manage-generational-differences-in-the-workplace/
