Workforce Management Featured Article
Randstad Survey Showcases Strengths in Multigenerational Workforce
The modern workplace is a melting pot of generations, merging the “greatest generation” with tech savvy Millennials. While baby boomers built a new world, milliennials are introducing the need for a transformed workplace, with the impact of the multigenerational workplace making waves.
Randstad US unveiled the results of the quarterly Randstad Workmonitor Q2 2018 report, highlighting that 9 in 10 workers prefer a multigenerational working environment, with intergenerational communication where trouble arises.
More than 80 percent of respondents noted communication style being a differentiator, with nearly 40 percent of workers having difficulty communicating with coworkers from outside of their age group. Interestingly, men struggle with this issue far more than women.
For managers, age is simply a number, 84 percent noted direct manager’s age as irrelevant as long as they are motivational, which is interesting, considering that 76 percent of respondents stated a preference of direct managers being the same age or older.
"Part of the challenge of managing effectively is knowing how to relay your message, which requires understanding the individual communication styles of the people on your team and how they approach their work," said Jim Link, chief human resources officer for Randstad North America. "
Another intriguing nugget from the study that more than 80 percent of those surveyed say managers are overall good at working with other generations. Some 58 percent note managers treat those from different generations differently. Pro or con, the study illustrates that managers must take different approaches with different people.
“There are more generations in the workforce than ever before, which has resulted in a greater variety of expectations around workplace communication. People in different stages of their lives and careers are also motivated in different ways, and managers must work to tailor feedback to help individuals maximize their potential,” Link continued.
The workforce is at a tipping point, where baby boomers are giving way to millennials and so much is in flux. From management techniques to communication styles, we all need to understand and bring the best out of our team as we do so.
How do you manage your workforce?
Edited by Maurice Nagle