Every generation has their stereotypes—good and bad. Those in the Baby Boomer generation have the reputation of being hardworking and dedicated but stubborn and resistant to change. Those in Generation Z, on the other hand, are often viewed as adaptable and quick learners but also not as dedicated or loyal as those that came before them.
With a variety of backgrounds and experiences, different generations can struggle to see eye to eye on things. Miscommunication and differing values can cause conflict. However, there are also ways to use these differences to your team’s advantage. Here are just a few of the benefits of having a multigenerational team at your workplace.
Knowledge Sharing
One of the biggest advantages of multigenerational teams is the ability for everyone to learn from each other. Those newer to the workforce have a lot they can learn from senior employees, while senior employees can keep their skills fresh by learning from younger employees. This sharing of knowledge keeps teams and companies from getting stuck or falling behind. It’s also a great way to build relationships between employees from different backgrounds.
Tip: Help younger employees feel like valued members of the team by giving them dedicated chances to educate and share their knowledge with higher-up employees.
Creativity and Problem Solving
Another strength of multigenerational teams is their ability to think outside the box. With differing viewpoints comes an abundance of creative ideas. Older employees may have many ideas based on their wealth of career experience whereas younger employees may feel inspired by experiences from school, family, and other outside influences. This type of collaboration is great when working on creative projects and finding unique solutions to complex problems.
Tip: Have regular brainstorm sessions that involve all employees on your team to share their ideas. Create a safe space for individuals from all levels to share.
Adaptability
Being adaptable and open to change is important in many industries. With technology changing more rapidly than ever before, this is incredibly crucial. Teams made up of different generations can do a great job of helping the company continue to evolve, adapt, and have a vision for the future—while still staying true to their values and mission.
Tip: Being adaptable involves keeping your team in the know with insights and knowledge related to your industry. Encourage all employees to continue learning and stay aware of the latest news and trends.
Cultural Competency
People from different generations will not only have differing viewpoints based on their level of work experience but also depending on how they were raised and their cultural background. Cultural competency is an extremely valuable skill that helps teams communicate effectively while staying sensitive to these differing backgrounds. This is another area where multigenerational teams have an advantage. If the value of diversity is a priority within a company, the people within that company are more likely to value perspectives that differ from their own.
Tip: Help your team develop cultural competency by practicing active listening and empathy across your team, offering encouraging spaces for employees to celebrate their differences.
Valuing Multigenerational Teams at Viking Client Services
With a diverse team that spans many generations, Viking Client Services is a team of people from a variety of backgrounds and levels. From Employee Appreciation events to volunteer outings, our people-first approach helps us to prioritize connection and a willingness to learn from each other. This keeps our company moving forward and helps our teams stay strong, and ready to weather whatever changes come.
