For the first time in history, there are five generations in the workplace.
Having a multi-generational workforce means companies need to learn how to acknowledge and build on differences to create a balanced working environment.
Below are the five generations:
- Traditionalists: born before 1946
- Baby boomers: born 1946 to 1964
- Generation X: born 1965 to 1980
- Millennials: born 1981 to 2000
- Generation Z: born 2001 to 2020
The question is, how can we handle five generations in the workplace?
The diversity amongst these generations can provide many benefits in terms of background and ideas, but it can also lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.
The key to overcoming negativity due to diversity is to learn to understand and build collaborative relationships, don’t ‘think’ about the obvious differences and create opportunities for cross-generational mentoring.
The more time we take to understand one another, the better we can work together in a harmonious environment.