If you’re like many business owners today, your workplace includes three generations of employees: Baby Boomers, Gen X and Gen Y/Millennials.

Baby Boomers are extremely job-focused. They value security and stability, and appreciate clearly stated goals and tasks. They prefer to communicate through in-person meetings and emails.

Gen X (born roughly between 1965 and 1981) values work-life balance and independence. They are adaptable and resourceful. Most have learned to use digital technology and communicate with the latest tech tools.

Gen Y/Millennial (born roughly between 1982 and 2001) they value work-life balance and flexibility even more than Gen X. They also seek freedom and want to be treated as equals from their first day on the job. This generation doesn’t fear authority and seeks challenging and meaningful work. They are definitely the most tech-savvy of the three groups, preferring to communicate quickly via texting and social media.

Strategies

• Strive to keep older workers engaged. When an older employee leaves the company because he or she no longer feels valued, your business loses valuable institutional knowledge. Make sure your older staffers don’t feel like they’re being pushed aside for younger team members. Make extra efforts to keep them engaged and show that their contributions are valued.
• Tap into diverse age groups to innovate. Fire up meetings or brainstorming sessions by including employees from all age levels. A diverse group means more viewpoints and more creativity. Having staff members from different generations gives your business an advantage, so use it!
• Honour each person’s contribution. Especially in a group setting such as a team project or meeting, make sure that you show how much you appreciate what each worker brings to the team. Encourage workers to share their knowledge, whether it’s an entry-level Millennial showing a Boomer manager how to use social media or a Boomer employee explaining the history of a long-term client to a Gen X salesperson.
• Emphasise commonality. It’s easy for employees to become adversarial when they focus on their differences. Continually remind your team of its common goals—winning new business, growing sales or whatever your company is working to achieve. Pulling together will help overcome generational differences and build tighter bonds.

Accountable Recruitment Solutions have a pool of candidates from all  generations looking for employment who would be valuable assets to your team.  All have been reference checked and are available for an immediate start.  Ask about our very competitive recruitment fees and service guarantee.  Contact office@accountablerecruitment.com.au