Best Practices for Overcoming Multigenerational Workforce Challenges

With the U.S. Bureau of Labor estimating that almost 25% of workers will be 55 years or older by 2031, it’s time to start thinking about the multigenerational workplace. Which means that it’s time to start rethinking how to manage your multigenerational workforce. 

From less turnover to greater productivity, there are plenty of benefits of multigenerational workforces, it’s just finding that sweet spot that all five (if not more) generations can work with and respect. In other words, even though this is an important step towards creating an inclusive workplace, it’s going to take time to learn how to manage a multigenerational workforce. 

So, how do you get all the Boomers, Gen X-ers, Millennials, and Gen Z-ers together playing happy family? We’ll explore all that in this article on multigenerational workforces

Just like how multicultural workforces refer to different cultures working side by side in the workplace, a multigenerational workforce refers to employees from different generations working together. And when we talk about ‘multigenerational’, we mean Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. 

Like most umbrella terms for entire groups of people, there are common associations with each generation that can be construed as harmful stereotypes. This extends into assumptions about generational perceptions on work and career, such that young employees want purpose, while older employees want job security. 

While there may be trends or tendencies within certain age groups, it's important to acknowledge the diversity of perspectives and priorities within each generation. By recognizing the complexity of individual motivations and aspirations, organizations can foster more inclusive and supportive work environments that cater to the diverse needs of all employees, regardless of age.

Here’s a brief overview of each generation:

With more generations working together than ever before, companies are facing new multigenerational workforce challenges. Below are the key obstacles to obtaining all the benefits of multigenerational workforces, as well as best practices for engaging and overcoming them.

Challenge 1: Communication Barriers 

Communication barriers pose the biggest challenge to fostering a culture of mutual respect within the multigenerational workforce, encompassing differences in communication style, collaboration, and misunderstandings. Yet, these barriers are not impossible to break down as long as managers are ready to listen.

Challenge 2: Differing Work Styles

Differing work styles refers to the varied approaches and expectations of tasks that exist, as well as the need for different work flexibility and structure. In other words, in a world where people are living longer and entering the workforce earlier, the regular 9 to 5 is not going to cut it anymore. 

Challenge 3: Technology Gap

With great advances in technology over the last 30 years, there will no doubt be a technology gap within the multigenerational workforce. This will impact digital literacy and preferences of communication, creating just one more space for miscommunication in the multigenerational workplace. 

There are many success stories of organizations effectively managing multigenerational workforce challenges, but Apple is one company that has taken a comparatively larger bite out of the issue.

From its Genius employees to tech whizzes, Apple’s employees come from a range of different backgrounds and generations to offer customers the best in class of electronics and software, be it designing iPhones to fixing them. 

However, what really makes Apple shine (at least in the context of this article) is their drive for inclusivity and diversity of all ages. While their multigenerational workforce statistics indicate that a third of employees are under the age of 30, Apple has hired people aged 18 to 87 making this company a truly multigenerational workforce. 

Apple’s hiring practices are helped by their core value of diversity and the belief that diversity drives success. Hence, some of Apple’s best practices for implementing a multigenerational workforce have included hiring US veterans and encouraging community connections through Apple’s Diversity Network Associations.

Tip 1: Leadership Strategies

Managers must be open to adaptive leadership styles that encourage diversity in decision-making and create an inclusive company culture. This can be done through managers acting as the bridge between the different work expectations in a multigenerational workplace, such as:

• The importance of a common purpose for all (Millennials)
• Their role as inspirational role models (Gen X)
• The need for a laissez-faire approach, allowing autonomy in work (Boomers)

Tip 2: Professional Development and Training

Effectively managing a multigenerational workforce requires tailoring training programs to different generations as well as offering continuous learning opportunities. An easy way to kill two birds with one stone is to introduce mentorship and reverse mentorship programs, such as pairing younger and older employees together to learn from each other. 

Tip 3: Team-building Initiatives

Team-building initiatives, such as cross-generational team-building activities and mentorships within teams, are a great way to encourage communication and collaboration within the multigenerational workforce. They’re also a way to celebrate diversity in the workplace by sharing individual experiences and knowledge, thus improving teamwork skills.

In this article, we’ve covered everything about multigenerational workforces, from what is multigenerational workforce to how to overcome multigenerational workforce challenges through understanding, mutual respect, flexibility, and collaboration. 

Implementing these strategies are not only key to successfully managing a multigenerational workforce, but are also a step in the right direction towards creating an inclusive workplace that is able to reap the benefits of multigenerational workforces. 

Yet, these actions are only helpful if managers are aware of the resources at their disposal to improve their workplace. CakeResume has hundreds of articles offering reliable advice, tips, and tricks related to human resources and employee relationship management to make navigating your professional life a piece of cake. So, when in doubt, check CakeResume out!

--- Originally Written by Eva O'Mara ---