Colin on Culture How to build a multi-generational workforce
In this episode I am delving into the complexities and opportunities presented by a multigenerational workforce.
For the first time in history, four distinct generations—Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z—are working side by side. This convergence has significant implications for workplace culture, management styles, and organisational success.
Let's look at each generation's defining characteristics, shaped by historical events, music, and technological advancements, and how we can use this knowledge to motivate and collaborate across the years!
By fostering a safe and respectful culture, leveraging technological advancements, promoting intergenerational collaboration, adapting management styles, and embracing modern work practices, organisations can create an inclusive workplace where everyone can do and be their best.
In this episode I tackle:
- Multigenerational workforce and its impact on workplace culture
- Importance of understanding and accommodating the preferences and needs of each generation
- Influence of music and technological advancements on generational identity and work preferences
- Values and priorities of different generations in the workplace
- Creating a safe and respectful culture for all generations
- Education, empathy, and understanding in navigating generational differences
- Building a multigenerational culture to bridge the gap between different generations
- Importance of open and honest conversations about sensitive topics.
Useful links 🔗
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🎙️ Check out Inside Out Culture Podcast where myself and Cath Bishop get behind the headlines of cultures making the news to extract the learnings and insights, good and bad.
Timestamps ⌚
The multigenerational workforce (00:01:16)
Discusses the significance of having four generations in the workforce and the impact of the cost of living crisis.
Understanding the generations (00:02:29)
Explains the importance of avoiding ageism and the need to build a workforce fit for all age groups.
Baby boomers (00:03:35)
Defines the characteristics and events that shaped the worldview of the baby boomer generation, born between 1946 and 1964.
Generation X (00:08:07)
Describes the characteristics and events that shaped the worldview of Generation X, born between 1965 and 1980.
Millennials (00:11:18)
Explores the characteristics and events that shaped the worldview of millennials, born between 1981 and 1996.
Generation Z (00:16:25)
Discusses the characteristics of Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, and their impact on workplace culture.
Generational differences in socializing (00:20:24)
Discussion on the preference for in-person interaction among Generation Z despite digital interactions being the norm.
Impact of artificial intelligence on different generations (00:21:23)
Insights into the usage and perception of artificial intelligence across different generations.
Music defining Generation Z (00:22:25)
Exploration of the music preferences of Generation Z and its impact on generational differences.
Work preferences and the importance of culture (00:22:49)
Importance of a safe, respectful work culture across different generations and their varying priorities in the workplace.
Building a multigenerational culture (00:24:53)
The significance of deliberately creating a multigenerational culture, understanding generational behaviors, and promoting empathy.
Challenges in discussing generational differences (00:25:59)
Addressing the fear and hesitancy in discussing generational differences and the need for education and empathy in these conversations.
Creating harmonious workplaces (00:27:01)
The importance of educating oneself and managers to create respectful, harmonious workplaces for all generations.