Generational Differences: 5 Tips for Bridging the Gap in Multigenerational Workplaces

Workplace inclusion isn’t just a box ticking exercise for businesses who know how valuable inclusivity is. You have to put the effort in to make it go smoothly, particularly when you have employees from different generations working side by side. 

Each generation brings unique strengths and perspectives, but sometimes the gap between those generations needs bridging to ensure those generational differences don’t create speed bumps on the road to a positive, productive workplace culture. 

To help your business bridge the gap in your multigenerational workplace, make use of these five strategies: 

1. Use Mentorship to Unite Generations Through Knowledge And Skill Sharing

Young adults value mentorship from older generations who have a wealth of knowledge and experience. Meanwhile, older generations have a lot to gain from the fresh ideas, up-to-date skills and technical insight younger employees have. 

Starting a mentorship program where different generations get to learn from each other can enhance understanding, build mutual respect, and facilitate the exchange of knowledge. You can look forward to benefits flowing for all the individuals involved and the organization as a whole. 

2. Set Up Opportunities For Multigenerational Collaboration

Organize projects that bring different ages together to collaborate and innovate. This will create shared goals, support teamwork, improve communication, and nurture understanding across generations. It also means you can leverage different skill sets and levels of experience, strengthening the team and boosting your opportunity for project success. 

A project manager who has had inclusion and team culture training, particularly with multigenerational employees, will be well suited to lead these kinds of initiatives. 

3. Acknowledge And Celebrate Differences 

Around 8 out of 10 young people feel older adults have different morals, different work ethics and different ways of showing respect. It is okay to acknowledge differences between the generations. In fact, you can embrace those differences. Long hours and face-to-face communication might be the priority of older workers, whereas younger employees might prefer all-things digital, and a better work/life balance. Respect, acknowledge, and celebrate these differences, and you can ensure everyone feels valued within the workplace. 

4. Create A Safe Space For Communication

Young adults are more likely to say they have experienced ageism at work than older employees. In reality, in a toxic work environment, all kinds of discrimination exists and nobody feels able to speak about their ideas, feelings, and thoughts. 

If you cultivate an inclusive, respectful, accepting, honest, and supportive environment, where everyone, regardless of their age, is encouraged to communicate, your whole team should feel heard and included. To help facilitate this, offer various communication channels that cater for the preferences of everyone. 

5. Encourage Everyone To Keep Learning

Statistics show that around 50% of employees worldwide need to upskill to be able to thrive in their careers and keep up with the competition. Creating a culture of ongoing learning opportunities bridges generation gaps by enabling everyone to keep up with new skills and industry trends. Consistent learning ensures the entire workforce feels empowered and supported to excel in their career with your company. 

“There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning.” – Jiddu Krishnamurti

By building on the strategies above, you can cultivate a workplace that enables every generation to thrive together. With a dynamic and positive approach, your business can nurture a dynamic, innovative, inclusive environment that makes the most of multiple perspectives, skills, and contributions.