Managing Multi-Generational Workforce at a Workplace
The workforce has been going through a revolutionary transformation due to two main factors; Demographic reasons of multi-generational workforce and ever-growing Technology (Lewis et al., 2017). “Multi-generational Workforce” means the employees comprise of different generations working in an organization. In the coming years, Organizations can expect to see four to six generations of people working at a time (Fica, 2019) but mainly five generations from ‘Baby Boomers’ to ‘Generation Z’ can be commonly seen in organizations at present and the majority is taken over by Generation Y, also called as Millennials. Stanley (2010) mentioned that understanding each generation will enable Managers to identify opportunities to motivate each group.
Benefits of Multigenerational Workforce in a
Workplace
The employees from generations
Veterans and Baby Boomers bring a wealth of experiential learning throughout
their careers and life, likewise, Generation X to Generation Z are quick to adopt the latest technologies and good at innovative thinking. Organizations can improve productivity
by utilizing the talents of these different generations effectively.
Andrea et al (2016)
mentioned that according to their study the research justified that conflict is
not the only outcome of multigeneration at the workplace but a positive outcome as
well, and HR has an important part in that. Boatman (2020) describes the benefits
of the multigenerational workplace as Multiple Perspectives, Problem-solving
ability, Learning/Mentoring opportunities, Knowledge Transfer & Retention and
Unique relationships.
How each generation expect to be managed
Paychex (2019) provides the following
management guidelines for each generation.
Generation Z – These young workers expect highly collaborative management relationships. HR and Line Managers should give priority to their development opportunities by mentoring, coaching and providing learning opportunities.
Generations Y – These members are high quality concerned and judge their managers based on the quality of the Manager’s work. HR and Line Managers should be open and honest with this generation of workforce and encouraging questions.
Generation X – These workers prefer freedom in doing their job without much supervision and expect more flexible schedules and concerns about work/life balance. HR and Line Manager should value the experience of the members of the Gen X workforce and encourage their contribution.
Baby Boomers – These workforces expect the management to value their experience and knowledge and be keen to share their knowledge. HR and Line Managers should utilize their skills and encourage them to help and guide younger employees.
Conclusion
It is clear that each generation is
different with diversified skills and knowledge. Understanding the characteristics,
behaviors, expectations and priorities of different generations that co-exist
in a workplace, will help the HR and Managers to better shape their strategies
to motivate all employees by minimizing conflicts between the employees and
gain optimum performance from a pool of combined talents.
References
Andrea, B., Gabriella, H. C. & TÃmea, J., 2016.
Y and Z Generations at Workplaces. Journal of Competitiveness, 8(3),
pp. 90-106.
Boatman, A.,
2020. Multigenerational Workforce: Benefits, Challenges, and 9 Best
Management Practices. [Online]
Available at: https://www.digitalhrtech.com/multigenerational-workforce/
[Accessed 30 July 2021].
Fica, T.,
2019. How to Manage a Multigenerational Workforce. [Online]
Available at: https://www.bamboohr.com/blog/manage-multigenerational-workforce/
[Accessed 29 July 2021].
Lewis, J.,
Outwater, L. C. & Siegel, J. A., 2017. 2017 Thought Leaders Solutions
Forum. Scottsdale, SHRM Foundation.
Paychex,
2019. How to Manage the 5 Generations in the Workplace. [Online]
Available at: https://www.paychex.com/articles/human-resources/how-to-manage-multiple-generations-in-the-workplace
[Accessed 30 July 2021].
Stanley, D.,
2010. Multigenerational workforce issues and their implications for leadership in nursing. Journal of Nursing Management, Volume 18, pp.
846-852.
Toselli, C.,
2019. Multiple Generations. One Workplace. [Online]
Available at: https://www.pavestep.com/post/multiple-generations-one-workplace
[Accessed 29 July 2021].
well said Fayaz, when we focus on people as individuals and provide an environment where everyone is respected and has to opportunity to do meaningful work, grow and advance we find that people are wonderful whatever generation we consider them in.
ReplyDeleteMr Fayaz ,You have very well explained about each genaration and how it effect on characteristics,behaviors and expectation of different genarations in a work place.Good topic.
ReplyDeleteA multigenerational workforce is a workforce made up of employees from different generations, like the baby boomer generation, Generation X, the millennial generation, and Generation Z. In the coming years, organizations could potentially work with teams of people from four to six different generations at one time, which is why learning how to manage a multigenerational workforce now is so important now a days. Good job Fayaz. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Fayaz. The Multi-Generational Workforce is effectively explained. I agree with your entire explanation; some family-owned businesses have been operating for many years within their own generations. The transition from traditional work styles to advanced skilled work styles will have a significant impact on long-term sustainability.
ReplyDeleteIt will obviously assist HR managers in minimizing conflicts between baby boomers, and Generation Z. Ultimatley, It will show a rapid growth in coming years.
Good luck.
Hi Fayaz,
ReplyDeleteYou have explained this very well. By having a multigenerational workforce with the varying value it's help to drives the organization to managing well the strategy through the collaborations of different ideas. Knowledge transfer from the expert collaborate with innovative ideas from the younger workforce will give the excellent result to the organization to support business sustainability
As you correctly described, A multigenerational workforce is a workforce made up of employees from different generations. When employees from varying generations are able to work together, they become more engaged in their work. That can improve productivity as well as morale. If you hope to cultivate the most engaged and effective multigenerational workforce within your own organization, consider the advice from our experts. This will mainly address the issue of cultural gap which can be arisen in any sort of work place . The relationships within the generations will do miracles for sure.
ReplyDeleteA multigenerational workforce is a workforce made up of employees from different generations, organizations could potentially work with teams of people from different generations at one time, which is why learning how to manage a multigenerational workforce now is so important. there’s no question that an elder employee will likely have different priorities, concerns, values, beliefs, and qualities than just joined young employee. Understanding these differences can help HR to better lead and manage organization multigenerational workforce.
ReplyDeleteInteresting article with more informative,
ReplyDeleteAgreed with your conclusion Fayaz. Employees of different generations may have differing perspectives on leadership and what constitutes a great manager. Recognizing what each team member prefers will help you approach them independently as well as the team as a whole. As the workforce shifts and changes, the company must be prepared to manage a multigenerational team with varying needs, values, and priorities. This may appear to be a difficult task, but if focus on people as individuals rather than demographic groups, will find success. Treat employees well, and they will return the favor.
Generations are different from desires, expectations and from the way they perceive the world. But whether this multi-generational workplace feels happy and productive or challenging and stressful, depend on the Manager who guide them. Manager must aware of the different ways of motivating the employees of each generation to make the workplace productive resource.
ReplyDeleteA diverse work force is beneficial but when comes to managing them is extremely challenging. Since their needs and wants are different from each other. In multi-generation workforces HRM must analyze the environment and composition of it. Then needs to improve motivation & communication by incorporating the diversities for the benefit of both workforce and the organization.
ReplyDeleteA multigenerational workforce includes employees from various generations, such as the baby boomers, Generation X, millennials, and Generation Z. Managing a multigenerational workforce will become increasingly important in the coming years as organizations work with teams of five different generations. In either case, a 60-year-old employee has different priorities, concerns, values, beliefs, and qualities than a 25-year-old employee. These distinctions can help to lead and manage a multigenerational workforce. this is a very interesting topic to discuss Fayaz. Throughout my professional career, I have interacted with members of these five generations.
ReplyDeleteA multigenerational team will make your investment in them all worthwhile. All it takes is defining their needs and getting the right program that targets those needs. A multi-generational team can be a good fit for your business, but it's not always easy to find common ground. Find out what you need to do to create a more diverse team of employees.
ReplyDelete