4 Pitfalls Sure to Widen the Generational Gap at Work

The rise of technology and Internet access have forced massive change in the workplace. But, perhaps, it’s the Millennial worker that has caused the most tension in the workplace. The generational divide at work has never been deeper and more daunting than it is today. Here are today’s most relevant challenges with engaging a multi-generational workforce.

4 Pitfalls Sure to Widen the Generational Gap at Work

1. Varying Viewpoints 

Most notably, each generation has a very different perspective when it comes to work. Baby Boomers define themselves by the work they do, often using tangibles such as titles, salary, and cars as indicators of success. Millennials take a much more fulfilling approach to work, often looking for more work-life integration and leaning into technology to work smarter. 

Baby Boomers evaluate hard work by how much time is invested in the work (i.e. tenure). Millennials define hard work by how much of their heart they put in the work (i.e. passion). Baby Boomers take pride in the loyalty towards their employer. Millennials take pride in their personal brand, the skills they gain, and the free-agent approach to their career. Generation X typically shares the views of Baby Boomers or Millennials or has a variation of these views.

These varying career objectives and viewpoints of work can cause heavy friction between employees and force a leader to exhaustively cater to both expectations. 

2. Asserting Assumptions

With each new generation comes a slew of stereotypes and labels. Most of the time these stereotypes are used as a shortcut to better understand the generation instead of actually getting to know the individual. 

It’s easy to assume how Millennials want to be led, how Generation X prefers to collaborate, or how Baby Boomers want to communicate. It’s difficult to actually ask and adapt to the actual way generations want to be led, collaborate, and communicate in the workplace. 

3. Clashing Communications

Some people prefer a phone call, some an email, and others a text while standing right next to you. This is the current reality of our workplace communications. There are more channels than ever before to communicate, and each generation has a varying communication preference. 

Millennials often view face-to-face communication as archaic when a flick of the thumbs on a smartphone can communicate something to the world. Some Baby Boomers view digital communications as impersonal and lazy. The truth is that online and offline communications matter and every generation has to be comfortable and competent with both. 

4. Putting-off Potential

In today’s fast times, it’s easy for us to look for quick wins and neglect to look long term. We value the immediate and ignore the potential.

It’s important to think of your multi-generational workforce as a Swiss Army Knife of intelligence, experience, and potential. Each generation carries a unique set of professional strengths, experiences, and contributions that can be tapped for new ideas. This is why it is so crucial to have diversity and inclusion in the workplace. A generationally diverse workforce can be your greatest catalyst in our ever-changing world.

A Solution To Close the Generational Gap at Work

In upcoming posts, we’ll provide a few ideas and solutions to close the various generational gaps at work.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ryan Jenkins

SHARE THIS

  

Subscribe today!