Summary

Having to keep track with generational differences and supervising each according to the generation may be daunting. In summary find a few practical guidelines on how to get this job done:

Guard against Stereotyping: Valuing diversity and inclusion in the workplace is key. The first step to managing different generations is to get to know each employee as an individual. Ask them about their personal preferences and needs. This helps overcome stereotyping and bias based on age. Never assume that an employee will work a certain way or have certain skills just because of their age. Be sure to speak up when you see others using age-based stereotypes, especially in decision-making situations.

Encourage Cross-Generational Collaboration: Employees may tend to collaborate and socialize more with people their own age than with other generations in the workplace. To help the age groups learn from each other consider developing cross-generational mentoring. Assign each employee a partner from another age group and encourage them to meet often to share knowledge. Younger workers may be able to share some little-known features about a computer program while older workers can give industry tips and tricks they’ve learned over the years.

Play to Their Strengths: Each generation and every individual has different knowledge, skills and abilities. Make sure that everyone works on tasks that correspond with their strengths. Supervisors should also be aware of hurdles the different generations in the workplace may need to overcome. Hold regular meetings to keep all employees up to date on the newest technologies, industry developments and best practices.

Find Common Ground: If employees can’t see the value or direct impact of their work on the organisation’s success, they soon lose their interest and get demotivated. Employees, be it the millennial generation, Gen X, or Gen Z, have to be given a constant spark in their work in order to retain them. As a supervisor, find a motivating factor that resonates with employees of all ages. This is an effective way to encourage employees of different generations to work together and stay motivated. This in essence is what this course is about.