Leading a Multi-generational Workforce Without Losing Your Mind

For the first time in the history of the modern workforce, employees from so many different generations are working side by side. Each generation seems to be labeled with different characteristics, all directly opposed to each other. Let’s take a look:

The Baby Boomers – (over 48 years of age) are said to live for their work and respect authority and hierarchy at work. On the flipside, they are said to be tech clueless and inflexible.

Generation X - Born between 1965 and 1979, this group is said to respond to instant gratification, look for friends in high places and connections to help them along. They also identify with the lone rangers, the unique leaders. On the downside, this generation is also seen as highly independent, resistant to putting all their eggs in one basket, and quick to jump ship and switch loyalty, if it benefits them.

The Millennial Generation (or Generation Y)- These include teenagers and workers in their early twenties. Innovative and proactive, this generation has a team and collaborative attitude, which is highly productive. They feel rules are made to be broken, so, can be very entrepreneurial. Unfortunately, they are often seen by others as lazy and having an attitude of entitlement. In fact, a story in Time Magazine (May 2013) titled “The Me Me Me Generation,” said, “They’re narcissistic. They’re lazy. They’re coddled. They’re even a bit delusional. Those aren’t just unfounded negative stereotypes about 80 million Americans born roughly between 1980 and 2000. They’re backed up by a decade of sociological research.”

Clearly, the media is pitting each generation against each other, and why not? It makes for interesting reading, right? Everyone busily pointing their fingers at the “other generations” and their faulty mindset. As a leader in your business, you’ve most likely had your fair share of dealings with all three of these. Want to know how to put an end to the generational gap mentality and promote cohesiveness?

Promoting Multi-Gendered Comradery in the Workplace

The experts say you need to fully understand each generation and give each one what they need to thrive. This, to a degree is true. If the Baby Boomers need more training using technology, that should be arranged. If the younger generation needs encouragement and the opportunity to rise to the top regardless of their age, that’s fine. But…here’s the real deal.

People are people regardless of their age. In order to promote comradery, you’re going to have to take age OUT of the equation. Treat everyone equally and make a clear stand against gender profiling.

Wait, what? Even Time Magazine says it’s true!

News flash…You can’t believe everything you read in the media and you certainly can’t run your business on these opinions, –at least not efficiently.

Gender profiling, in fact, is a form of discrimination, just like race discrimination. You’re assuming something to be true, simply because of a set of circumstances, –in this case, it’s age.

Should you try to understand the possible skill sets that the different generations may be lacking in? Of course! But to allow any type of separation among staff members, simply because the media is labeling these generations is ridiculous.

Learn to judge your employees by their actions, not statistics. That’s the best advice you could ever get for cultivating workplace cohesiveness.

If you’re an employer or business owner looking to take your company to the next level and are in need of additional staff, we at HH Staffing Services invite you to allow us to be a part of your team. With skilled employees in Tampa, Bradenton, Fort Lauderdale, Clearwater and Orlando, we will help streamline your business by allowing you to do what you do best (run your business) while we do what we do best, provide you with the right staff to make you shine! Give us a call today. We promise to provide you with a remarkable experience!