Part Two of a three-part series on multiple generations in the workplace.
In the first blog of this series, we described our online survey about multiple generations in the workplace, highlighting responses that bring to life some of the conflicts among the four (and sometimes five) generations at work. This blog shares a second set of responses, focusing on the benefits of multiple generations working together.
In our survey, we asked, “What have you noticed that’s great about working with other generations in the workplace?” Ninety-four percent of survey participants provided at least one example of what’s great about working with other generations. Most responses fell into one of four categories: Learning and Collaboration, Perspective and Energy, Knowledge and Experience and Balance of Strengths.
Below are some great sample responses from each category.
Learning and Collaboration
With multiple generations in the workforce, we can each learn from other generations about how to do our own jobs better.
“I learned to be more proficient in technology.” – Baby Boomer
“I LOVE having a mentor who is older than me and happens to be a Baby Boomer. I have learned invaluable lessons about riding out storms, keeping calm under pressure, picking your battles, and remembering that there are various perspectives on every issue.” – Millennial
“The older generations have a much better understanding on how to work around certain tasks due to their experience in the field. They are a great help to learn more about the work we do.” – Gen Z
Perspective and Energy
It can be energizing to work with other generations. Different perspectives improve decision-making and team knowledge.
“Energy level is very high when all ages are engaged in teams. Older show calm and younger show new directions. Everybody gains if minds are open.” – Gen X
“Being exposed to energy of younger generations.” – Traditionalist
“Perspective! It’s ALWAYS good to have so much more perspective to draw from in decision making.” – Millennial
“Most viewpoints on everything to get the bigger picture.” – Gen Z
“That they think and approach work differently than I do. I always learn from others and like that energy and different-ness.” – Baby Boomer
Knowledge and Experience
We learn from each other’s knowledge and experience.
“They have different backgrounds and educations and can bring completely different ideas that enhance our ideas.” – Baby Boomer
“Knowledge gets passed down. There is great opportunity for mentorship.” – Millennial
“Different experiences.” – Gen Z
“Younger workers, too, have knowledge to share.” – Gen X
Balance of Strengths
Together, we get the best each generation has to offer.
“Older generations are more unflappable and professional. More pragmatic. Younger encourage the older to have fun and that enjoying your job is a right not a privilege.” – Millennial
“Younger workers bring in new ideas about social interactions.” – Baby Boomer
“Working with older generations provides an immense opportunity to learn from other’s experiences, gain a more seasoned perspective, and follow a proven strategy (a lot of times!).” – Millennial
“I love the ‘ah has’ from every generation when they learn something new or start to see a situation from a new perspective. And, I really like that every generation has some great tools, tricks of the trade. The newer ones are more apt to be apps and the older ones processes, but it’s all good.” – Gen X
The media are really good at highlighting the challenges of having multiple generations in the workplace, with suggestions for how to manage differences. As this survey reminds us, many positive experiences and great benefits come from working with other generations in the workplace.
Our final blog in this series will provide more insight on what each of the generations think of themselves and others. Their own – and other generations’ – strengths and shortcomings. Until then, here is more detail about the benefits of having multiple generations at work.
Enjoy!
P.S. If you’re interested in seeing the full survey results, contact us. We’d be happy to share the report.
