ManAGEing diversity

Though multi-generational workforce has remained a common phenomenon in workplaces for ages, yet with the evolving work cultures the pressures and challenges of managing a multi-generational team have not only changed but have also multiplied manifold. With age and hierarchy levels increasingly becoming unrelated combinations managing age diversity in a workplace has become a tight rope walk for managers as well as for the team members. Age diversity is, basically, the ability to assimilate different ages within a business environment to achieve goals and targets without a hitch. Different ages having different views when put together on a same platform can lead to serious problems due to difference in mindset, working style and attitudes of employees. Enhanced role of tech in work can further complicate workplace situations.

With each generation bringing different skills and talents to the table a diverse team can be a huge asset for any business, but it needs to be managed properly. Here are some tips that can smoothen the management of age diversity considerably:

Redefine mentoring

In a work situation having tech savvy millenials and somewhat tech challenged ‘seniors’ mentoring can be a tough game unless it is made a two-way street. Experience of different team members should be used to create value for the organisation as a whole. Mentoring dissociated from age can be a powerful technique for enhancing the development of individuals and organisations.  Training, career advice and motivational lectures keep the workers interested in the company. Accommodate different learning styles depending on the age, work experience and designation of the employees.

Diverse skills

An organisation with different age dynamics has an advantage that each generation brings different skills and talents to the table. For example more mature professionals have extraordinary interpersonal skills and perform well in business conferences. Teams should be balanced on the basis of skills like leadership, management, innovation and creativity, technical skills, communication skills, research and analytical skills. The assignment of work should be on the basis of employees’ skills to get better results.

Accommodate personal needs

Employees in different stages of life have different needs and it is essential to be sensitive to these. Flexibility in this regard is necessary for employees as well as for employers. It may relate to older workers, pregnant women and parents of young children etc. 

Open communication

Managers should take initiative to facilitate open-communication and honest feedback. Employees of different ages may have different ways to communicate, while it may be logic, reason and facts for some, for other it can be humour, emotion and visualisation. A transparent workplace has communication channels that are open and two-way for everyone irrespective of the age and seniority levels.   

Value experience

Irrespective of age the thing that counts in an organisation is the experience. And remember experience doesn’t always come wrapped in sheaths of age. Even younger and seemingly “inexperienced” employees can add value of their experience in certain situation. Always accord due respect to experience and encourage a system wherein different age groups benefit from each other’s experience. This will maximise team effort, team synergy and the ability to achieve great things.

Different generations have varied approach to work. Younger ones are associated with faster reactions and thought processes whereas older ones are associated with more measured reactions. Sometimes it may cause conflict among employees when younger generation feels that their perspective is not taken into consideration. With a cohesive team work, understanding each others perspective can make it easy to proceed further.

Celebrate achievements

Celebrating achievements creates confidence among employees and motivates them to do better. It is also a successful way of encouraging bonding among the employees. They can have a lunch together, family get-togethers, picnics, parties etc.