In addition, differences in communication can create tensions. While veterans and baby boomers may prefer face-to-face meetings and formal emails, millennials and Generation Z tend to favour quick and efficient communication through instant messaging apps and online collaboration platforms.
The richness of generational coexistence
Despite these challenges, when managed well, generational coexistence offers significant benefits to the organisation. Diversity of perspective can drive innovation and foster creativity.
Miro’s CEO noted in this article that “when people who entered the workforce before email can collaborate seamlessly with those who grew up with memes and selfies, a company can bring more compelling products to market, craft engaging marketing campaigns that reach millions of people, and win brand love across the generational spectrum“.
How can this generational coexistence be enriched in the organisation? Harvard Business Review proposes some strategies:
Fostering non-traditional mentoring
Reverse mentoring’, where more experienced employees learn from younger ones, reduces the fear of making mistakes and the embarrassment of facing new situations or challenges.
In this type of learning, both generations share advice and ideas, which promotes open-mindedness, improves communication, increases familiarity with technology and fosters inclusive peer networks.
Highlighting common ground to build trust and confidence
Building trust in a team can be difficult, especially when people are afraid to admit mistakes. Generational assumptions and stereotypes can increase tensions. However, it’s been shown that these generational differences are not as great as people think. To improve trust and cooperation, it’s helpful to focus on what team members have in common and create opportunities for them to collaborate on projects and events. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) can help strengthen these intergenerational bonds.