Collaborating In A Multi-Generational World (Part III)
You’ve likely heard that people don’t quit jobs; they quit managers. Managing multi generations in today’s workforce with a strong mix of remote, hybrid and in-office workers, creates a need for managers to extend extra effort to stay connected. With common values and philosophies, Gen Z’s relate more easily to Gen Y’s, but that doesn’t mean they won’t interact or be successfully managed by older colleagues older colleagues.
Stay Connected
Check-in with your employees regularly, at least once per week. Listen for younger workers’ stress struggles. Train managers on how to recognize anxiety and abnormal stress clues and how to empathize and look for solutions. Consider performing “stay interviews” – discussions with employees before they submit their resignation about what’s on their mind, what’s making them happy, and what may not be making them happy.[viii]
Underscore Purpose and Individual Value
Every worker wants to know their daily contribution to the business is important and valuable toward reaching success. But when is the last time you shared that with your junior staff? Do you know what it is they want most to accomplish in their career goals? Discuss with them why they are singularly appreciated and necessary to help ensure your company meets its goals. A shared mission and vision can help grow and sustain engagement, especially when assignments may seem repetitive or cumbersome.
Recognize Small Wins That Lead to Big Wins
Identify and (appropriately) praise solid work accomplishments as well as big project completions. Office recognition, awards and even bonuses, when possible, are wonderful tools to compensate employees who produce outstanding work. But regular words of affirmation also can go a long way in keeping workers satisfied on the job, particularly with duties and tasks that do not lead to big payoffs. Point out to Gen Zers what behaviours and values you are witnessing and how much they’re appreciated, particularly by senior leadership.
By celebrating achievements, milestones, small and big wins, people will engage further with their work, knowing that they have a role in the success of their organization.
Invest In Training for Your Leaders
Effective leaders understand who they are, how they behave and how they influence their team. With limited resources and even less time, leaders face ever more elevated levels of stress. Overwhelmed leaders provide significantly less recognition and support.[xi]
Having five generations of employees working side-by-side is unprecedented and brings both opportunities and threats. The need to manage different values and motivations is upon us. Managing the multi-generations is necessary.
Solution: The Sandbox System™
- Conflict Resolution
- Training
- Planning
- Accountability
If your team could use some collaboration inspiration, I invite you to schedule a Complementary Discovery Call, and we can have a chat about how to get everyone working together peacefully!
[ix] https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/01/business/4-day-work-week-uk-trial/index.html
[xi] https://www.mercer.ca/en/our-thinking/career/employee-engagement-the-generation-game.html