Quasi-Generational Workplace - Bridging the Gap - Career and job search coaching in West Sussex

For the first time, four generations are finding themselves side -by-side in the workplace.

Age is no longer an adequate and definitive means for role assignment, as we see many young professionals rapidly climbing corporate ladders and surpassing many twice their years. Rules, or “tricks of the trade”, are changing as fluidly as the slang of the season, and many work force veterans are finding themselves seemingly on a “first date” with their careers all over again. The workplace is changing.

Though daunting it may seem, keeping up with the Jones’ across the cubicle is necessary in maintaining a cohesive work environment. As with much else in life, the trick is simply: understanding. Generational differences can affect recruitment and team building, dealing with change, motivating, managing, maintaining and increasing productivity. Generational difference from an HR perspective might also affect misunderstandings, increase employee turnover, and create difficulty in attracting employees and gaining employee commitment.

Generation Timeline in the Workplace

Any decent architect will tell you that, in order to build a solid bridge, one must first understand the valley below. That being said, get familiar with the four varying generations and their idiosyncrasies with the timeline below:

1922-1945: Veterans / Silent Traditionalists
1946-1964: Baby Boomers
1965-1980: Generation X, or “Gen X’ers”
1981-2000: Generation Y, or “Millennials”

These personal distinctions between generations also manifest interestingly in the workplace:

The most critical point of understanding lies in each generation’s communicative experience – how is each employee accustomed to interacting with others, and what steps can be taken to ensure that everyone is on the same page?

Many companies now heavily incorporate social media outlets such as blogs and Twitter into their PR regime.

Whether you’re twenty-two or fifty-five, it’s important to be able to navigate these corners of social media: understanding these various blogging platforms and “twitter etiquette” keeps you relevant in the workplace, but also makes a valuable niche for yourself.

Employers are looking for someone who will not only add to their workplace community, but strive to promote growth as well.

Using these social media outlets is an excellent way to keep company relations in the loop and also act as small, free promotional flyers to attract new clientele.

Though it is necessary to keep up with the ever shifting changes of today’s workplace, it’s also important to acknowledge the experience and differed perspective of the older generations.

We’ve got the next ten years or so to enjoy the potential of all four generations in the workplace at once, and hopefully all this will foster and improve their interpersonal communications through the practice of these varied interactions.

What do you think?