Today's workforce is dynamic with up to five generations of people working together, despite the vast difference in their belief systems and lifestyles. Although it's often portrayed as a comedic element in movies, television shows and advertisements, the communication gap across the ages in today's workplace is significant and can be a serious issue.
To strengthen team collaboration, personal connection and maximize productivity, it's essential to bridge the gap for all. Here, 10 experts from Forbes Human Resources Council discuss various ways to maintain a flexible millennial-friendly environment while also bringing people together and encouraging mutual respect for one another.
Forbes Human Resources Council members share their insight.
Photos courtesy of individual members.1. Provide Flexible Work Environment
This can be accomplished by providing a flexible work environment that incorporates a variety of communication channels. A hybrid work model in which employees meet and collaborate virtually offers millennials the flexibility they desire. However, occasional office meetings offer the in-person collaboration that older workers are used to, allowing multiple outlets for varying communication styles. - John Feldmann, Insperity
2. Reinforce The Power Of Community
No matter the age difference between team members, the power of community and connection will help bridge the gap. One way to facilitate that is through affinity groups. These groups allow employees from all different generations to meet and connect over shared interests or backgrounds. It’s a method of team building that leads to better communication on the job. - Deb Myers, Newfold Digital
3. Meet Their Communication Preferences
It's important for leaders to understand the communications preferences of their employees through surveying and offering options that meet those preferences. In today's hybrid world, communication is more important than ever and companies should explore new and innovative platforms that foster engagement, transparency and collaboration. - Kevin Silva, Voya Financial
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4. Trust Staff To Decide How And Where To Work
Prioritize optionality and trust employees to decide how and where they work most effectively. Set clear expectations with leaders about which information to cascade and reinforce key messages through multiple channels such as slack, email, all staff and more. Get very intentional about the purpose of your meetings by sharing pre-reads, requiring an agenda and documenting any decisions. Doing so will decrease the quantity and increase quality. - Brian Rutkowski, Olive
5. Build And Nurture A Culture Of Belonging
For the first time, up to five generations are working side by side in the U.S. The best organizations proactively flex to build and nurture inclusion and a culture of belonging. The best leaders are deliberate and intentional to motivate and engage with an understanding of both the unique and the common characteristics of each segment of their workforce. - MJ Vigil, Medable Inc.
6. Gauge Employee Feedback Before Assuming
In a recent discussion, a veteran disc jockey at the Wedding DJ Studio in Chicago shared: "Regardless of experience, it's smart to ask about someone's needs instead of assuming you know what they're looking for." Similarly across industries, businesses should continually gauge employee (and client) feedback before assuming needs and rather approach with a level of personalization that suits their needs. - Erald Minga, S4Capital
7. Use A Human-Centered Approach
Incorporating a human-centered approach to the people strategy is generationally inclusive. Allowing people from all groups to collaborate in various ways that help them feel seen naturally fosters engagement and integration. - Loren Rosario-Maldonado, Claro Enterprise Solutions, Inc.
8. Create A One-Team Environment
Creating a one-team environment inviting diverse experiences, skill sets and temperaments to include a blend of institutional knowledge and external perspectives. Cross-functional project streams with these ingredients will achieve peak innovation and team synergies. - Britton Bloch, Navy Federal
9. Coach Leaders To Manage All Generations
The best way to address this is to coach and develop leaders to be able to manage employees across different generations. This means that the great leaders of today's workplaces need to be skilled at understanding individual preferences across all the things that matter at work; communication, success, recognition, incentives, learning, development, feedback and more. - Katya Daniel, Golden Hippo
10. Offer Autonomy, Opportunities For Interaction
Millennials have shown they value in-person communication and mentorship early in their careers, while older workers prefer more freedom and flexibility over their schedules. Accommodate both of these preferences by offering high levels of flexibility and autonomy while still providing millennials opportunities to interact with each other and their more seasoned counterparts on a regular basis. - Laura Spawn, Virtual Vocations, Inc.
