Feeling like a dinosaur in the workplace? So does your 25-year-old millennial coworker.
No matter your age or industry, the younger generation can feel like a workplace threat. As technology advances faster and faster, companies are hungry for employees who are instant masters of the latest trends. And just when millennials became comfortable in their place as the perfect young, savvy recruits, Gen Z came knocking.
There’s no getting around it: The incoming workforce is marketable. Gen Z newbies have certain skills that Gen X’ers don’t. And their entrance into the adult world will undoubtedly change workplace dynamics.
Does that mean that anyone who grew up pre-Disney Channel is at risk of unemployment? Of course not. While Gen Z has much to offer, it also has much to learn. We have up to five different generations in the workplace today, all with different interests, motivations and perspectives — and that’s a good thing.
In any collaborative work environment, a unified, supportive team attitude is key. When your employees aren’t communicating properly, they’re not as productive—and that messes with your bottom line. Unfortunately, generational divides can naturally cause simple misunderstandings or full-on conflict in the workplace.
But integrating employees of different generations doesn’t have to be a headache. Employing effective conflict management techniques can resolve issues, restore order, and rally your team to produce the best possible performance.
First, overcome generational stereotypes.
You’ve heard the saying about what happens when you assume. Stereotypes, while often not malicious, have the power to become real problems. And it’s easy to stereotype people who you see every day but never talk to.
Why not organize a team-building experience that’s fun, creative, and engaging for all types of employees? Team challenges like room escaping are great go-to options for instant bonding. Throw an office watch party for the next NFL game, or organize an outing to a minor league hockey match. Volunteer as a team for a local charity. Take an office poll to find out who’d be into laser tag, a barbeque, or trivia night. Work together to build a castle out of marshmallows and spaghetti — whatever it takes to get everyone to get to know each other on a personal level.
One single day probably won’t do the trick, so be persistent. Whenever appropriate, encourage employees of different ages to teach each other new skills or work together on a project. Friendships — or, at the very least, mutual respect — will build over time.
Virtual Accountability
With virtual work and flex time gaining more and more momentum with younger generations, productivity could take another hit due to employee conflict. Without accountability measures put in place, some tasks can fall through the cracks and start some major finger-pointing.
Every team member of my non-profit, 1,000 Dreams Fund, works in a different state. I totally understand the struggle to keep everyone on the same page, but here’s what worked for me: We have a required 24-hour turnaround for emails, which has been incredibly successful. To communicate in real time, we also have weekly phone calls, during which the agenda is really tight and the meeting is led by one specific person. It doesn’t matter how they’re doing the work, but it’s important for everyone to know it’s getting done.
If an employee does have gripes about a co-worker’s office presence (or, more accurately, lack thereof), listen to his or her concerns. There may be legitimacy to their complaints, especially if work really isn’t being completed in a timely manner. Everyone should be doing their fair share. In some cases, it may be necessary to put tighter processes in place for accountability.
Leverage Gen Z’s Tech Skills
Ah, the iPhone. A multifaceted device for light-speed work productivity — or simply a home for endless Twitter scrolling? For all their understanding of technology, some entry-level employees struggle to stay focused with a glowing screen before them. We all know that sites like Facebook and YouTube can be the ultimate time-suck, draining hours of productivity. As an employer, it’s on you to create the right rules for cell phone use and other technologies.
Set some ground rules that make technology a positive part of your work environment, a tool that joins your employees rather than divides. While your younger employees may be more likely to spend hours on Instagram, older employees certainly aren’t immune to time-wasting activities on the computer or elsewhere.
Some companies institute phoneless meetings, while others actually encourage active social media use from employees. And let’s not forget Gen Z’s technological proficiency. Because they’ve been around technology most of their lives, they likely know creative ways to streamline processes. There are ways to allow Gen Zs to flex those skills without making older generations feel obsolete.
Have you read?
These Are The 12 Major Emerging Technologies In Need Of Better Governance
Infographics: All You Need to Know About Freehold Properties
The Success Code: Exploring the Paradigm Shift in Technologies
Six Italian Fashion Schools Make List Of World’s Best Fashion Design Institutions, 2016
Written by Christie Garton Founder of the 1,000 Dreams Fund.
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