Workplace generational differences \u2014 a myth or a real challenge? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Do generational differences at work actually exist?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many studies have found significant differences between generations when it comes to both work approach and their values. A recent study from the Partners Universal International Innovation Journal (PUIIJ)<\/a> found distinctions between older and younger employees in terms of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, a Frontiers in Psychology study<\/a> found major generational differences in workplace values. For instance, younger generations such as Millennials and Gen Z valued good social relationships, career advancement, skill development, <\/strong>and money <\/strong>more than Boomers. On the other hand, Boomers have a stronger need for structure, rules, consistency<\/strong>, and stability<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, we know there are differences between generations. The question is \u2014 can these gaps in values and preferences cause issues?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Managing Director at Greenline, Gerry Wallace<\/a>, highlights the importance of bridging generational gaps, because \u201cif you don\u2019t, you end up with a team that\u2019s working against itself instead of together.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n He further explains that, \u201cwhen people don\u2019t understand where their coworkers are coming from, it leads to frustration, <\/em>miscommunication<\/em><\/a>, and a lot of wasted energy on things that shouldn\u2019t be issues in the first place. Different generations just have different ways of working, and if you don\u2019t address it, you get a lot of unnecessary friction.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Founder of TrueEQ, Brandon Bishop<\/a>, agrees. He adds \u201ccommunication breakdowns, distrust, aggressive outbursts, <\/em>burnout<\/em><\/a>, resentment, hostility, entitlement, toxic workplace, and differing values\u201d<\/em> to the list of issues generational gaps could cause. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The abovementioned PUIIJ study also explored the key aspects of bridging the gap between generations at work. It found that by working together<\/strong>, employees of different ages and perspectives were able to understand each other better and overcome some of the age biases they had. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The study also concluded that \u201clayered biases rooted in <\/em>misinformation<\/em><\/strong> exacerbate conflict.\u201d<\/em> So, bridging the generation gap is possible by overcoming the lack of understanding and information about each side. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some tips that could help in creating a more compassionate and informed team<\/strong>, making it easier to bridge the gap between generations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We also talked to Clark Lowe<\/a>, CEO of the O’Connor Company. He highlights that, despite the popular belief, urging employees to focus on the company\u2019s main cause and values won\u2019t make them work together. Instead, team members should connect through everyday goals<\/a> they all share \u2014 whether it\u2019s a team KPI<\/a> or a daily target for their department. Focusing on the specific goals they share will make them work together and get along:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOftentimes, the how or why will be different, but goals transcend generations and bring a team together. Leaders focus so much on the how and why, they tend to leave people behind. Not everyone aligns with a cause \u2014 some people just want to get a job done.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n So, instead of the big picture, focus on shared goals \u2014 everyday tasks you work on together and monthly targets the whole team has. That will help you feel more connected to the team, enabling teamwork and building trust<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n \n Manage projects like a pro<\/p>\n \n Assign tasks, set deadlines, track progress, and keep collaboration focused with comments and file sharing \u2014 all in Plaky.<\/p>\n \n Wallace thinks that \u201ca lot of tension at work comes from people assuming their way is \u2018the right way\u2019 without stopping to understand why someone else does things differently. But if you can be curious, you\u2019ll usually find common ground.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Head of Marketing at Digital ID, Adam Bennett<\/a>, agrees, as he notes that our perception of what other generations don\u2019t know prevents us from working together and sharing knowledge:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDon\u2019t come into a workplace with overconfidence and dismissiveness of what other generations can and can\u2019t achieve. Instead, try to combine your knowledge, because let\u2019s face it, they\u2019re going to be better than you at something and vice versa.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Further reading<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Misconceptions follow each generation, and Gen Z is no different. This blog post will help you understand this generation better and be more open to its ideas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learning how to listen<\/a> and express yourself properly goes a long way in creating a compassionate and healthy work environment. Wallace believes that communicating with intent and coming from a place of understanding and compromise makes the whole team better: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf you feel like an older coworker doesn\u2019t take your ideas seriously, show them why they work. If a younger teammate seems impatient with traditional processes, explain why those systems exist in the first place. When both sides meet halfway, the whole team works better.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n He also notes that good collaboration involves being aware that not all generations communicate in the same way:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSome older employees are used to more direct, no-nonsense feedback. But younger team members often expect a more collaborative approach, where feedback is a conversation rather than a one-way critique.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
How to bridge the generational gap in the workplace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tip #1: Focus on shared goals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n\n\n\nTip #2: Admit that you don\u2019t have all the answers <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Tip #3: Communicate and listen with intent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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