Multigenerational teams are becoming more and more common in businesses. With teams made up of baby boomers and employees from generations X, Y or Z, the challenge is significant. Indeed, each generation has its own values, attitudes, skills, and work priorities. Managing this type of team can therefore be a major challenge. Here, we'll give you useful information about each of these generations and then give you some tips for fostering communication, collaboration, and engagement within these multi-generational teams.
Understanding the different generations
There are currently 4 generations on the job market. Here is an overview of the main characteristics and preferences of each of them.
The Baby Boomers (1946 - 1964)
Born after the Second World War, baby boomers are seen as dedicated and loyal workers. Hierarchy and stability are very important to them. Their approach to work is quite traditional.
Generation X (1965 - 1980)
Employees of this generation also value work, but have a much more independent and pragmatic approach. They value the balance between personal and professional life more than baby boomers. They are also more comfortable with technology, although they grew up before the digital age.
Generation Y or Millenials (1981 — 1996)
They are the first generation to have grown up with the Internet and modern technological tools. The millenials are more resistant to authority, need to give meaning to their work and value their quality of life a lot. It is often said that they are focused on collaboration and innovation.
Generation Z (after 1996)
Finally, Generation Z is the latest arrival on the job market. Very comfortable with new technologies, “digital natives” prefer digital communications to face-to-face with their colleagues. They are seen as creative and highly adaptive. This is a generation with very diverse profiles.
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Managing communication in a multi-generational team
Communication is one of the keys to managing multi-generational teams well. Each of the generations presented above has its own communication habits and preferences, so it is important for managers to be flexible and adaptive to promote open communication between the various members.
Use different communication channels
To reach all members of a multi-generational team, it is important to use different communication channels wisely. Meetings will be enjoyed by baby boomers and Generation X, while emails, instant messages, or corporate social networks will more easily reach the youngest members of the team. Diversification is the key to making all members feel involved.
Practice active listening
Members of different generations do not have the same concerns or the same functioning when it comes to work. It is therefore essential to listen to each member of your team, and especially not to transpose the functioning of one person with the rest of the employees.
Clarifying communication expectations
To avoid any misunderstandings or frustration, set clear expectations for communication within your team. Email responses, response times, regular meetings: with clear rules, everyone knows what is expected.
Encouraging collaboration in a multi-generational team
Collaboration between members from different generations can be a real asset for your business. Indeed, everyone brings their own unique skills and experiences, thus contributing to creativity and innovation. Here's how you can encourage intergenerational collaboration.
Encourage the exchange of ideas
With brainstorming sessions or by creating working groups, you allow different generations to exchange and share their perspectives. The more diverse the ideas and perspectives, the more creativity is important.
Valuing the diversity of skills
Each generation has its own skills: recognize and value them to promote transfers between the different members of the team. For example, baby boomers may have expertise in time management or problem solving, while Generation Z excels at using new technologies and social networks.
Create mentoring programs
Setting up mentoring between experienced team members and younger members makes it easier to share knowledge and transfer skills to the younger generation. This strengthens intergenerational relationships.
Suggest to participate in joint projects
Do not hesitate to suggest that several members of your teams participate together in the development of a joint project of their choice. The use of a crowdfunding platform such as Teamstarter can help you do this: everyone can choose to get involved in the project that is most important to them. When people from different generations propose projects together, it strengthens relationships and allows you to learn how to collaborate effectively.
Foster engagement within a multi-generational team
Commitment is a key element in the success of an organization: it is therefore essential to do everything possible to encourage it within multigenerational teams. The stakes are high: the motivations and needs in terms of commitment are different between generations.
Creating professional development opportunities
Observing opportunities for growth within the company promotes engagement of all generations of workers. So do not hesitate to set up training courses, to propose stimulating projects, to vary the objectives, etc. It is important to show all members of the team that evolution is possible within the organization, regardless of age and level of experience.
Fostering inclusion
Inclusion is a key driver of engagement, so make sure everyone on the team feels included, respected, and valued. Avoid age stereotypes and ensure decisions and opportunities are equitable for everyone, regardless of generation.
Define clear and measurable goals
For maximum commitment within a team, it is essential that the objectives set are clear and measurable. Everyone needs to understand their role and how their actions contribute to shared goals. It gives meaning and reinforces commitment.
Managing a multi-generational team can be a real challenge, but above all it is a great opportunity to exploit a wide range of skills and experiences. By taking the time to understand everyone's needs (especially in terms of communication), by encouraging collaboration, and by taking steps to promote engagement, it is possible to create successful and creative multi-generational teams. So do not hesitate to include varied and complementary profiles within your various teams!
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