Fostering communication across generations in the workplace is essential for business success. Effective communication helps build bridges between employees who likely have different belief systems and lifestyles.
Supporting communication across generations strengthens employee connections, collaboration, and productivity. Effective communication also elevates employee engagement, job satisfaction, and retention.
Implement these tips to foster effective communication across generations in the workplace.
Use Preferred Communication Methods
Talk with your employees to determine their preferred methods of communication:
- Baby boomers typically like formal, direct, face-to-face communication, phone calls, or email.
- Generation X usually prefers email or text messages over phone calls or in-person communication.
- Millennials typically like texting, instant messaging, and email over phone calls and in-person communication.
- Generation Z usually prefers videoconference calls for communication, especially transparent, immediate feedback on their performance.
Offer Communication Channels
Provide diverse methods and opportunities for your employees to communicate with each other. For instance, your team might use videoconferencing, email, and instant messaging to collaborate virtually. They also could engage in in-person meetings and phone calls to stay connected with each other.
Provide Team Projects
Assign multigenerational teams to collaborate on projects. Your employees can share their diverse perspectives, strengths, and experiences to complete the tasks. This collaboration supports mutual understanding and respect for employees from different generations.
Implement a Mentorship Program
Create a mentorship program that lets employees of different generations learn from each other. For instance, baby boomers and Generation X can teach millennials and Generation Z about company culture and career growth. Also, Generation Z and millennials can teach Generation X and baby boomers about technology.
Encouraging your employees to learn from each other empowers them to develop their strengths and skill sets. The result is ongoing learning and stronger team cohesion.
Create Affinity Groups
Develop groups for employees of all generations to meet and connect over shared interests or backgrounds. Your employees can create bonds that improve communication at work. Stronger communication leads to better collaboration.
Do You Need to Hire Multigenerational Employees?
Corps Team can match you with multigenerational candidates with the skills and experience you need to reach your business goals. Reach out today.
