How to Break Down Generational Barriers and Thrive Together at Work

Today’s workforce includes five generations: The silent generation, baby boomers, Generation X, millennials, and Generation Z. Although diverse ideas and perspectives are strengths, different expectations can cause tension.

Misunderstandings, conflict, and reduced collaboration are common outcomes of generation gaps. Diverse approaches to technology, communication, and work ethics can make working together difficult. These factors impact collaboration, output, and employee morale.

Common Generational Barriers at Work

The silent generation (born between 1928 and 1945), baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964), Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980), millennials (born between 1981 and 1996), and Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) differ in their approach to work issues:

  • Work Ethic. While the silent generation, baby boomers and Generation X prioritize work over leisure time, millennials and Generation Z value a healthy work-life structure.
  • Mobile devices are more popular with millennials and Generation Z than the silent generation, baby boomers, and Generation X.
  • Whereas the silent generation and baby boomers prefer in-person or phone communication, Generation X, millennials, and Generation Z prefer email, texting, and instant messaging.

Tips for Generations to Thrive Together at Work

These tips can help break down generational barriers so employees can thrive together at work:

  1. Embrace Diversity and Inclusion. Get to know colleagues and coworkers of different generations. Find common interests to support casual conversations. Focus on understanding and respecting differences. Foster a sense of belonging, value, and respect.
  2. Prioritize Mentorship. Find a colleague or coworker of another generation to engage in collaborative mentorship. Knowledge-sharing and learning from each other’s experiences strengthen work relationships and professional development. These activities enhance communication, understanding, and teamwork.
  3. Initiate Casual Conversations. Break times are great for casual conversations with multigenerational coworkers. Learn about each other’s interests to build on commonalities and shared experiences.
  4. Tailor Communication. Use your audience’s preferred methods to share ideas, viewpoints, and information. Exchanging information in the desired manner increases the likelihood of receiving it and responding appropriately.
  5. Collaborate on Projects. Ask to work on projects with multigenerational colleagues. Focus on knowledge sharing and skill-building to enhance individual and team performance.
  6. Encourage Learning and Development. Partnering with multigenerational colleagues for continuous knowledge and skill development enhances individual and team performance and the likelihood of advancement.
  7. Train on New Technologies. Learn to use new organizational tools and technologies, then volunteer to train multigenerational colleagues and coworkers.
  8. Request and Provide Feedback. Provide multigenerational colleagues with specific examples of what they do well, what they could do better, and suggestions for improvement. Ask them to do the same for you to elevate team performance.
  9. Celebrate Successes. Recognize multigenerational colleagues’ and coworkers’ achievements. Create a culture of acknowledging contributions and results.

Thrive in Your Career with PrideStaff

Breaking down generational barriers helps you grow and excel at work. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, PrideStaff is here to support you every step of the way. Contact your local PrideStaff recruiter today to explore job opportunities aligned with your goals, skills, and interests!

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