Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

By Jeremy Silverstein

There are five generations that comprise today’s labor force — and each has its varied expectations, values, communication styles and work habits. These include Generation Z, Millennials, Generation X, Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation. Getting these groups to positively coexist, collaborate and network together is essential for running a successful business. Read on to learn how you can manage an effective multigenerational team.

Educate your team

The first step in managing a successful multigenerational team is to educate your employees. Help your team understand the benefits of working with diverse age groups. For example, it provides employees with better problem-solving capabilities and more innovative thinking.

You can educate workers on multigenerational teamwork during diversity and inclusion training. Managers may need additional training to ensure they can properly manage their team.

Establish respect

Building respect is another key strategy for managing a multigenerational workforce. It’s important to understand that each generation is different but it’s also essential to embrace those differences.

Management can build trust with employees by having regular, one-on-one check-ins. This can help create a secure workplace where staff members can express themselves freely. Additionally, managers can promote peer trust by encouraging team brainstorms and other collaborative tasks. You can also offer peer mentoring to build trust and respect between colleagues.

Offer flexible perks

You can cater to the diverse needs of each generation by offering flexible solutions. These may include unique workspaces, remote opportunities, or flexible hours. Providing these solutions lets staff members work in a way that best suits their needs. For example, they may help accommodate new families or aid older individuals easing into retirement.

Accommodate various communication styles

In today’s workplace, there’s a divide between communication styles. For instance, older generations may prefer to communicate via phone or face-to-face interactions. On the other hand, younger generations may prefer communicating by email or text message.

It’s important to acknowledge these differences and ensure that information is accessible to everyone in the company. Find a way to meet in the middle and use a variety of communication styles so that employees stay productive and collaborative.

Gather employee feedback

Getting honest feedback from employees can help you understand how they feel and how they are performing within the company. This can be achieved through one-on-one check-ins, surveys, performance appraisals and more.

For more ways you can manage a successful multigenerational team, see the accompanying resource.

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Jeremy Silverstein is Vice President of Operations and Vehicle Dispatching at Goodwill Car Donations. During the years he’s been with the organization, he has become quite an expert in the industry and has handled tens of thousands of donated vehicles.