How to Thrive in a Multi-Generational Workplace

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Terry is 22 years old, and an enthusiastic new starter at your organization.

This is the career that he's wanted since high school and, now that he's got his degree and joined your team, he's impatient to impress his new colleagues with his ambition and creativity.

But he soon finds the going tough. Some of his fellow team members don't seem to appreciate his eagerness, and they are wary of his ideas and suggestions.

The team is a mixed bunch. Some are middle-aged and others are nearing retirement, and have been at the company for years. They feel that Terry doesn't understand the way that things get done in the organization. His enthusiasm and energy is starting to wane as he feels worn down by their reluctance to consider new ideas.

Terry isn't alone. Around the world and across industries, more generations than ever before are working together. Increasingly, it's younger employees who are leading older team members Add to My Personal Learning Plan, turning the established order on its head. This new scenario can cause problems, but it also presents opportunities for sharing knowledge and experience. This article explores how to thrive within a multi-generational workplace.

Introducing the Generations

In days gone by, it was common for just two age groups to be represented in the workplace. There were long-serving, "dyed-in-the-wool" old-timers and ambitious newcomers.

Times have changed, and now you could find yourself working with as many as five generations. Broadly speaking, each one has its own set of preferences, styles, perspectives, and experiences.

This table shows the different age groups that are in the labor force today. It describes their traits and characteristics, and how they are frequently stereotyped.

https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/multigenerational-workplace.htm