Connecting Different Generations in Your Workplace
Seven principles to help you further strengthen the bond between workers of all ages
Just five years ago, millennials was considered a dirty word. In 2013, I got my fair share of attendee reaction to my presentations as I did what few were doing at the time: Wave the millennial flags high, connect five generations, and show why each generation is important. In doing so, I stirred things up and annoyed a few people along the way.
Fortunately, most people soon began to view millennials as the valuable contributors that they are. After my presentations, even the attendees thanked me for helping them understand the unique talents, characteristics, and motivations of millennials. Now, millennials lead cleaning businesses in North America, working alongside baby boomers and co-workers in Gen X and Gen Z.
Communication between these groups is not always easy, but it is an essential part of organizational success in a company. Listening to staff of different ages will help you improve retention, increase productivity, and keep your customers happy.
I recently had a conversation about the challenges and opportunities that come with having staff of different ages in the workplace. A manager who had seen one of my presentations described how poor communication between different generations in his company was causing friction and anger and was reducing productivity.
I explained that by understanding the differences and points of view of each generation, she and the other leaders in the company could develop connections and relationships between employees.
Once we understand what gets in the way of intergenerational communication, information sharing and productivity will grow. It's a cool thing to see.
Principles for generational success
I did a five-year research project at conferences, where I collected data on generations. After reviewing it, I concluded that generations can be connected in the workplace if top management supports these seven principles:
Share the big picture. Sharing your vision, goals, and direction with staff on a regular basis empowers people and creates opportunities for cross-generational discussion and cooperation.
Encourage respect. This principle speaks for itself. However, each generation needs to be reminded that each brings valuable talent and experience to the workplace.
Listen. Owners, managers, and leaders who listen to their people give their businesses a greater advantage. You will learn valuable information and create a new kind of culture in which people of all generations are open to sharing, which builds trust.
Mentor and train. Beyond the initial training employees receive, statistics show that ongoing training and mentoring improves retention, strengthens relationships, and provides opportunities for different generations to learn from each other. Communication between generations grows as we focus on people and common ground.
Giving positive feedback. Everyone in the workplace wants this, whether the employee is 28 or 78 years old. It's just as contagious as when you laugh, it makes you feel appreciated and appreciated, and you feel a little taller.
Encourage communication. Even one hour of facilitated communication produces results that can last a lifetime. When people of different generations sit together and share their views and opinions of other generations in a respectful way, it fosters understanding, grows relationships, and strengthens the culture of your workplace. That is a great victory!
Support the exchange of ideas, information and knowledge. Workplaces that do this create a culture of caring, trust, and positive energy. People are much more likely to open up when they know that top managers encourage this.
Leaders around the world must be prepared to embrace their employees' differences and connect generations within their workplaces. Supported by an open and positive company culture behind them, and having widespread respect for others, these are the people who will take the JanSan industry into the future.
By Scott Lesnick
Scott Lesnick is a consultant, author, and global keynote speaker who is passionate about professional growth, leadership, and generational inclusion. He can be reached at scott@scottlesnick.com.
Source: CMM Online