Generational Diversity
Languages: English
Media Editing: The video module(s) in this subject are editable under our Content Studio offering unless otherwise indicated. For more information about Content Studio, contact your CSM.
Description: On a broad level, diversity is understood as a positive force in workplaces. However, people rarely talk specifically about generational diversity. It can be the source of many constructive ideas, processes, and innovations, and is an important part of making sure all demographics are represented in your workplace. In this subject, learners will be taught what time frames make up each of the four working generations, how generational diversity can be applied and respected in the workplace, and the various challenges and benefits that generational diversity offers.
Languages: English
Media Editing: The video module(s) in this subject are editable under our Content Studio offering unless otherwise indicated. For more information about Content Studio, contact your CSM.
Description: On a broad level, diversity is understood as a positive force in workplaces. However, people rarely talk specifically about generational diversity. It can be the source of many constructive ideas, processes, and innovations, and is an important part of making sure all demographics are represented in your workplace. In this subject, learners will be taught what time frames make up each of the four working generations, how generational diversity can be applied and respected in the workplace, and the various challenges and benefits that generational diversity offers.
Languages: English
Media Editing: The video module(s) in this subject are editable under our Content Studio offering unless otherwise indicated. For more information about Content Studio, contact your CSM.
Description: On a broad level, diversity is understood as a positive force in workplaces. However, people rarely talk specifically about generational diversity. It can be the source of many constructive ideas, processes, and innovations, and is an important part of making sure all demographics are represented in your workplace. In this subject, learners will be taught what time frames make up each of the four working generations, how generational diversity can be applied and respected in the workplace, and the various challenges and benefits that generational diversity offers.
Topics
What is Generational Diversity?
-
Generational diversity can be an important factor in your workplace. It offers many different perspectives which can lead to new ideas and processes. But what is generational diversity? In this topic, you’ll learn about what a generation is, the benefits and challenges of generational diversity, and an overview of each of the working generations.
-
Questions (level 1, 2, 3)
Video module
-
This topic is currently available in English.
-
A generation is a group of people born within the same time frame. These people often have similar characteristics, preferences, and values over their lifetimes.
Baby Boomers are a generation of people who were born between 1946-1964. They typically value equal opportunities at work and in social settings, friendly working environments, and prefer phone calls and direct contact.
Gen X is a generation of people who were born between 1965-1980. They typically value workplaces that are positive, fun, flexible, and informal.
Millennials or Gen Y are a generation of people who were born between 1981-1995. They typically value workplaces that are collaborative, achievement-oriented, creative, and diverse, and tend to like working smarter, not harder.
Gen Z or Centennials are a generation of people who were born between 1996-2010. They typically value workplaces that are secure, yet they value internal competition. They enjoy independence, entrepreneurship, and digital communication, as they’re the most technologically-savvy of the generations.
Generational diversity allows for learning opportunities for employees across all generations. It helps employees share knowledge, offer their unique perspectives, and gain a better understanding of others.
Challenges of generational diversity include lack of shared interests, difference in communication styles, and varying values in a workplace.
How to Work on a Multigenerational Team
-
Working on a team that has members of different generations can be a challenge. However, being able to effectively communicate with and relate to team members of all generations can help make your team more successful. In this topic, you'll learn some tips you can use to make sure you're a strong teammate, regardless of the age differences between you and your co-workers. You will learn techniques like looking for opportunities to work closely with people from different generations, why you need to identify and eliminate your own biases about age, and how using different communication methods can improve team collaboration.
-
Questions (level 1, 2, 3)
Video module
-
This topic is currently available in English.
-
To help you become a more effective member on your multigenerational team, identify if you have any age biases, and work on eliminating them.
Ask your co-workers what they value in a team member and how they prefer to work. This helps you improve team collaboration.
Ask your co-workers what you can do to be a better teammate for them. You can then make these changes to improve your ability to work well with all team members.
Treat each of your co-workers as people and valued teammates rather than focusing on the age difference between you and them. This will help you avoid stereotyping your teammates based on their age.
Look for opportunities to work with team members from different generations. This encourages you to share your knowledge, learn other perspectives, and build relationships with team members.
During meetings and full-team events, make an effort to participate and share your thoughts. Doing so helps everyone learn more about your working style and encourages them to participate, too.
When communicating with your team members, do so in a way that they are comfortable with. Effective communication is important in helping your team perform at its best.
Advantages and Challenges of Generational Diversity
-
Having a generationally diverse workforce is often viewed as a challenge or burden on a workplace, but it is actually quite the opposite. In this topic, you’ll learn about ways that you and your co-workers can help each other turn your differences in working styles into an advantage for your company.
-
Questions (level 1, 2, 3)
Video module
-
This topic is currently available in English.
-
A key advantage of a generationally diverse workplace is knowledge sharing. Employees of each generation have their own knowledge to offer the workplace.
Younger employees, or those with less experience, can learn from older employees because they usually have more expertise based on their experiences.
Older employees can ask younger ones for their insights or knowledge about new technology and social media.
Younger generations, such as Millennials and Gen Zers, can usually offer fresh perspectives. This can help lead to new ideas and innovative processes.
Older generations, such as Baby Boomers or Gen Xers, often have more steady reactions to problems in the workplace because of their experience, which helps the issues get solved effectively.
Having a variety of generations in the workplace helps your company appeal to a wider range of customers, leading to higher relatability and understanding between customers and employees.
Employees of different generations often have different working styles, such as preferring longer days at the office compared to working remotely, which can create challenges. It’s important that all employees have opportunities to work with and learn from each other.
Employees are likely at different stages of their working careers based on their age, so it can be difficult for them to find shared interests. Finding mutual interests, like company success, is important in turning generational diversity into an advantage.
