Mind the Gap: Managing the Five Generations in the Workplace

As a new generation begins to enter the workforce, it’s expected that companies could have up to five generations working side-by-side by 2020. This seems like a daunting cultural challenge if not approached with the right mindset. However, according to a leadership guide from the Wall Street Journal, “The key is to be able to effectively address and take advantage of the differences in values and expectations of each generation.”

Don't Sweat the Differences

While it’s important to understand what drives each generation, it’s equally important to not dwell on differences. Make sure your team moves forward as a collaborative unit, and focus on the strengths of each individual. Here are a few tips to help a multi-generational workplace succeed. 

Sources

1. Diversified Services, "The 5 Generations in the Workplace"
2. The Balance, "Common Characteristics of the Silent Generation"
3. Robert Half, "How Do Generations of Workers Differ?"
4. Forbes, "Generational Differences: When They Matter, and When They Don't"
5. Fortune, "As a millennial, how can I understand and work with a Gen X-er?"
6. Harvard Business Review, "Managing People from 5 Different Generations"