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According to Forbes, five generations are currently active in the workforce: The Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation-X, Millennials and Generation-Z. All of whom bring different mindsets, backgrounds, and unique expectations to the workplace.
At Kantola, we know that rigid stereotypes about each generation can impede productivity, organizational growth, and employee satisfaction. For example, stereotypes like older workers not being adept at new technologies or younger workers preferring remote work, often don’t hold true for individuals, and can prevent employees from contributing their best.
It’s never been more important to learn about the multigenerational workforce—how they think, act, process information, their skills and their preferred methods of communication and work style. But with so much information out there, it can be difficult to hone in on these skills.
To make things easy for you, we’ve sifted through the latest insights from some of our favorite influencers to follow. Here’s what they had to say when it comes to navigating and nurturing the multigenerational workforce.
Neerja Singh: Professional Speaker on generational diversity
TEDxChowringhee: The unaffordable cost of generation gap. In her recent Ted Talk, Neerja discusses how generational gaps and the conflicts they can sometimes create have become true wellness challenges for the modern-day workforce. Why we like it? Neerja suggests the solution lies in generations coming together to co-create a more compassionate and collaborative workplace setting. Watch the 20 minute talk here.
Jack Kelly: CEO, founder, and executive recruiter
Forbes: Can 5 generations coexist in the workplace? In this piece, Jack Kelly breaks down how generations feel about work, the challenge of balancing interests, and how to make things work moving forward. Why we like it? Before managers can learn to nurture their multigenerational workforce, it’s important to form a fundamental understanding of generational differences and perspectives—which is exactly what this article has to offer. Read the full text here.
S. Mitra Kalita: CEO and co-founder
Time: What to know when five generations share an office. In her article featured in TIME, Mitra discusses the importance of seeing generation-related behaviors as just one layer of identity—cautioning readers not to use it as a catch-all for blame versus considering the entirety of a person’s life experience. Why we like it? Mitra’s approach requires us to see beyond generational habits, and instead recognize each employee for their own unique set of characteristics—choosing curiosity over judgement. Read her full write-up here.
Siobhan Fagan: Editor in Chief
Podcast: The benefits of the multi-generational workforce. In her most recent podcast episode of Get Reworked, Siobhan sits down with Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO of the National Council on Aging to discuss all things ageism and generation gaps in the workforce. Why we like it? Siobhan and Ramsey spend time breaking down age-related stereotypes and discuss what ‘equitable aging’ should look like for an organization—giving listeners actionable takeaways. Read the transcript, or listen to the full 27 minutes here.
