Different generations in your workforce
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Today its not at all uncommon to
find
a number of different generations working together in one company and
more than
often, one office. In many ways this is of course a huge plus, but in
some
areas it does present a bit of a problem areas like communication and
motivation. A number of personalities need to gel to make any team
successful,
and communicating in the same way with everyone rarely pays off.
But are there key differences in how
each generation likes
to work? And if so, what are they?
Generally speaking Generation Y (up
to 31 year old) have
been found to prefer constant communication. This may be from
colleagues,
management or the outside world. Stopping this kind of communication
could in
fact have a negative effect on your younger staff and their motivation.
In contrast, an employee from the
baby boomers group (49-67
year olds) seem to appreciate face to face time with management and
colleagues.
Factors like office emails and home distractions during the work day
could
affect their performance and, quite frankly, get on their nerves.
Taking these things into account
admittedly adds yet another
aspect to internal communications and motivators, but it might very
well be
worth the effort. It could potentially hold the key to eliminating some
of those
niggling issues within the team that can often cause bigger problems.
Arming
yourself with this knowledge now could not only help whilst at work,
(with
things like the office seating plan), but outside of work as well.
Think about
the staff parties!
Use our guide to help identify key
traits in your staff:
Silent generation (1925-1945)*
No news is good news
Loyal to the company
Believe in dont draw attention to
yourself
Career goal is to build a legacy
Baby boomers (1946-1964)*
Want to know what is happening in
the company want news
Loyalty to the team
Appreciate face time
Career goal is to build a stellar
career
Generation X (1965-1981)*
Want open communication regardless
of position in the
company
Loyalty to their skillset
Work ethic based on productivity
Career goal is to have a portable
career and achieve
work-life balance
Generation Y (1982-2000)*
Want constant communication
Build work around relationships
Need to feel they are working for a
cause
Career goal is to have a blended
life
About the Author
Easy Offices
(UK) was formed in 1999 and since then has grown to become one of the
UK's leading specialist advisers on serviced offices, office space and
virtual offices around the country. We offer
solutions to both businesses and individuals. You
can access our service online, by telephone on 0808 231 8103.
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