LOTS of things have changed….and are changing….in the workplace.
As a woman who has been in the workforce for about 30 years (remote for 16), I have lived through many challenges and changes.
I have been sexually harassed, overlooked, not taken seriously, talked down to, and belittled. All of which were never reported to HR because it was the ‘norm’ back then. But I pushed forward anyway. And I worked hard by showing up daily and trying to do my best each day. All the while treating others as I would want to be treated.
The treatment of women, minorities, and LGBTQIA+ are definitely improving, but we still have a long way to go. And between AI, in-office vs remote working, and many other topics, there are too many to cover in a single blog.
But the one topic I hear about consistently are the challenges and frustrations with working in a multi-generational workplace.
Because people are living longer, they are retiring later. So the Boomer generation is still present in the workplace. So are the Gen Xers, the Millennials, and now Gen Z.
What is that, an age spread of about 50 years?
Lifetimes of different generations, perceptions, worth ethics, beliefs, and ways of communication. All mixed together under one roof.
- ‘How things have been done’ is no longer an acceptable answer. But it is to the 60-something year old that has been working that way for a decade.
- Taking time off because of a headache is acceptable to a 30 year old but is seen as lazy by a 50 year old.
- Having the flexibility to come and go as you please is something a Millennial and Gen Z feel they are entitled to. But the Boomer and Gen Xers demand loyalty and trust before that can be given, which takes time.
See the dichotomies? And they are everywhere:
How you dress, when you show up to the office, how you act, how you communicate, and the expectations of each worker and manager is completely different based on age groups.
- So how do you create an effective and productive team?
- How do you create a positive culture and environment?
- How does your workforce, spanning a 50 year gap, get along?
Over the past 6 months, I have encountered these questions more than any other. If I’m talking with a person 40-ish or older, they are exacerbated by the requests and entitlements of the younger groups.
And if I’m talking to someone younger, they feel they aren’t being taken seriously, they are not heard, and their talents are not being used to their full potential.
If you’re over 40, or maybe 45, you’ve had to claw your way up the corporate ladder. You had to show up every day, be physically in the office, in a suit, and in heels if you were a woman. You had to do a job you may not have liked, but sucked it up anyway. You didn’t take time off for headaches or anything other than life or death circumstances. So you have a hard time relating to someone who assumes they get an office, trust, and flexibility the day after graduating college.
But if you’re younger, you’ve grown up with different ideals. You’ve watched your parents work long hours and weekends. You’ve seen the imbalance in their life and the impact of their stress. You’ve also had a bigger voice as a kid….your teachers and parents have listened to you and your ideas. And being the “winner” is normal and a title you are comfortable wearing.
So, yes, we are all very different.
I think the most important step here is communication. And that must start from the top. Listen to what the biggest complaints are. Talk to your teams about the perception differences. And set the acceptable standard for your workplace in terms of dress code, working hours, time-off standards, flexibility, and communication.
Create boundaries, rules, and opportunities for your people, regardless of age, job level, or longevity.
And within each team, pair the strengths of each team member with someone who can grow faster by working together. This does not mean to pair the younger one with the older one. It may be the other way around! But utilize the strengths of each of your people to create a stronger team.
Age shouldn’t be a wall or a negative in the workplace. People who have been there a while hold knowledge, wisdom, and history. And people who are new on the scene have new ideas. They aren’t in the box of “this is how we do things around here”. They see a new pathway. They also are much more comfortable with technology. Which means they are likely to know more about the latest and greatest advancements and opportunities that could be of help.
And those new ideas may just work!
So lean on each other. You are a team working together to cross the finish line. To finish the project, to make the deal, to grow the company. Instead of resisting one another, listen to each other. Find a place where you can grow together. Because that is where you will all Thrive.
You can Emerge Positive!
Positively,
deanne
Emerge Positive is dedicated to improving mental health, culture, and productivity in the workplace. Go here to learn more about how Connect by Emerge Positive® can help. Or email me directly at [email protected]. I’d love to hear from you!
