Generational Differences in the Workplace
A generation is a group of individuals within a particular age range who may have similar ideas, attitudes, values, etc. Having varied generations represented in a working environment is another form of diversity. Understanding the characteristics of your own generation, as well as those of your co-workers, can further develop this diversity, balance policies and encourage interaction that benefits everyone supporting inclusion.
Strategies for working with colleagues from all generations
Expand your communication strategies
Make messages available in multiple formats.
Clarify expectations
Always clarify expectations for the completion of a project or task. Traditionalist and Boomer bosses may expect a discussed task to be acted on immediately while Gen X and Millennials may be satisfied if it is on the to-do list.
Show respect
Recognize that a different method or time line for problem-solving and completing tasks could be a generational difference so have patience and show respect at all times. If you don鈥檛 understand their process, and if it is necessary for you to understand, ask.
Speak with facts
Even if you think your problem has to do with someone鈥檚 age or your assumption that they are slow or lazy, stick to the facts. Tell them what your expectation was and what you observed. Allow an open dialogue; perhaps you didn鈥檛 have the same expectation or your observation was inaccurate. Speak with facts, not with judgments.