This Strategy Will Help You Better Communicate with a Multigenerational Staff
As more members of Generation Z—individuals born between 1998 and 2016—enter the workforce for the first time, the average workplace has never been more age-diverse. This may make it more challenging to connect with employees from different generations.
Fortunately, communication issues in a multigenerational workplace can be solved with the right approach.
Get Everyone on the Same Page
When Baby Boomers and Generation X entered the workforce, offices were dominated by suits and ties, Rolodexes, and telephones. Things have changed a lot since then, with smartphones becoming an indispensable tool for social media, email, and instant messaging to the average worker.
Managers—to avoid confusion, get everyone on the same page regarding what forms of communication are promoted in the office. If everyone knows how and where to communicate, there’s a lower likelihood of conflict. Older workers can be trained to use new technologies, while younger workers can be taught proper decorum when sending and receiving messages, if needed.
Use Multiple Channels of Communication
If you want to keep everyone happy, offer a diverse range of communication channels according to your team members’ comfort zones.
Listen to what your employees want.
Are they more comfortable with face-to-face communication? If so, promote a culture of coaching and mentoring. If they’re comfortable with social media, make sure to help all employees get on board.
Again, it all boils down to setting expectations on how and where your people should communicate.
Promote a Culture of Asking Before Assuming
Miscommunication among multigenerational staff members often comes from failing to ask questions and listening to each other. It is important to encourage your team to always communicate with one another instead of making assumptions.
More importantly, have your company lead by example by providing a space to talk with employees and check on their needs, challenges, and progress from time to time.
Be Open to Training Your Employees
Create an environment of learning and coaching for different generations to help each other. Younger workers can learn a thing or two from the older generation, while older employees can learn how to adapt to evolving technologies.
Bottom line? Differences in communication preferences can be remedied with a culture of respect. If your company needs assistance with this aspect of workforce management, talk to the staffing specialists of The Reserves Network. Call our offices to learn more about our staffing solutions.
