How To Improve Multi-Generational Workplace

Every generation brings different skills to the table: Baby-Boomers bring experience and tricks of the trade that Millennials desperately need to make better decisions, and Millennials bring technology and agility.

But how we can share (pass on) that information?

Let’s look at the ways how to improve the multi-generational workplace?

Improve communication between management and employees

Millennials don’t view managers as experts, because they know where to find multiple versions of the information.

Instead, we view managers more as coaches and mentors and we want to be able to speak to them without barriers.

Millennials and Gen Z (twentysomethings) want open, fun, and inclusive leadership styles; and they thrive on fairness and performance-based appraisals, not tenure and seniority.

Better communication can be achieved through regular meetings, an open-door policy, or an anonymous employee suggestion box. By regularly communicating with your employees, you can understand what is working and what can be improved.

If your workers see that you have an open-door policy that allows everyone to voice their complaints, they will feel more comfortable making their issues known.

Make sure that your employees have the opportunity to voice their opinions and give feedback. This will help create a more positive workplace environment.

Make the workspace more comfortable and fit for purpose

Coming into an office that looks and feels inspiring and engaging is something that Millennials are increasingly not just seeking, but expecting.

We don’t want to feel like a cog in a wheel of a soulless machine, we want to feel part of a unique organisation with its own identity and character.

We also want a variety of work-stations for collaborative and individual work.

If possible, provide comfortable break areas. These can be a place for employees to take a quick nap, relax, or eat lunch. It should be a quiet space and away from the hustle and bustle of the work area.

Employees want to feel like they have enough personal space and their workspace is ergonomically set up.

PS! If you are a company on a budget, there are plenty of cost-effective ways to show your care. You could give each employee £100-500 to customise their workspace just the way they want.

Pay attention to temperature, light, security, and the cleanliness of the space. You can contact facilities management to manage security, cleanliness, building maintenance, and compliance of your business.

Prioritise work-life balance

If your employees feel like they have an excellent work-life balance, they will be happier and more productive. 

Sustainable work-life balance can be offered through flexible work hours, working from home options, mandatory regular breaks, and paid time off.

Some studies show that flexible workers are more productive and take fewer leave periods from work. Experts have suggested that a third of employees from small businesses believe that flexible work schedules increase comfort and happiness in the workplace.

Work flexibility has become even more important in the modern business world due to the current pandemic and its associated remote working strategies.

Also, prioritising mental and physical health can help boost energy and concentration, decreasing stress. 

Offer a clear career progression path

Millennials have accepted their career paths won’t be as secure and straightforward as their parents’.

If you can provide a role with new jobs & assignments every 1-2 years, then you will be far more likely to attract the best of the best, who want to grow and progress.

Millennials hate stagnation and boredom is the no 1 reason for job-hopping.

Make it super clear from the beginning what are promotions based on. And beyond the promotions – do you offer regular training programs to help your workers hone their skills and build their capacity?

Pick a convenient office location for everyone 

When looking for an office location, consider your team’s commute. You want to find an area that is convenient for everyone.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing an office space and location for your team.

• How big is your team and is it growing? 
• What type of work your team does? For example, if your team is creative, they may prefer an open-concept office.
• Think about the location of the office space. You want to choose a location that is convenient for your team.

Conclusion

Be open to change. Millennials are not your subordinates, they are the future of your business.

So take the time to understand their needs to create a more positive and productive work environment for everyone.