Research shows that less than 50% of leaders think about the generations and age when it comes to diversity, and less than 95% of companies are actually doing something about the damaging impact of miscommunication and tension across the generation gap. – Katherine Jeffery, Ph.D.
In today’s diverse work environment, team members from up to five generations bring their varied experiences, perspectives, and expectations. The transition from Traditionalists and Boomers to Gen Xers, Millennials, and the rise of Gen Zers represents a massive generational shift that is impacting every aspect of the workplace and everyone’s lives. It’s akin to moving from Earth to Mars in terms of how the workplace has functioned until now.
Every aspect of work is undergoing changes that often cause significant tension—including how people communicate and collaborate, how they perceive their roles, and how they balance their professional and personal lives.
This generational shift is uprooting established norms and necessitating widespread adjustments. In fact, the generation gap at work is frequently cited as a major source of workplace conflict and lawsuits.
Addressing the generational shift by implementing strategies to transform the tension into teamwork requires a corresponding shift in mindset and behaviors.
- Understanding generational dynamics: It’s essential to understand the key differences and commonalities among Traditionalists, Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Zers. These generational traits impact workplace communication, collaboration, and productivity.
- Practical strategies for teamwork: There are specific, actionable strategies to bridge generational gaps, reduce workplace tension, and foster a culture of mutual respect and collaboration. These tools and techniques can transform potential conflicts into opportunities for innovation and synergy.
- Real-world impacts and benefits: Research shows the tangible benefits of addressing generational diversity, including enhanced team performance and reduced turnover. By implementing these insights, it’s possible to create a more cohesive and effective workplace where every generation thrives.
SunShower Learning’s new series, GenShift: From Tension to Teamwork Across the Generation Gap, explains the profound changes that are happening in the workplace and the reasons why, and it teaches specific skills to improve communication, collaboration, and understanding across the generations.
The GenShift series is based on the work of Katherine Jeffery, Ph.D., a generational strategist who specializes in helping organizations bridge generational gaps and implement effective leadership practices that foster collaboration in multigenerational workplaces. As Dr. Jeffery’s research and extensive experience reveal, understanding generational dynamics is key to unlocking a team’s full potential.
“The number-one strategy is to communicate, communicate, communicate. You have to seek to understand each other. You have to listen to each other. If you’re not doing that, you’re going to have unresolved tension underneath the surface. No one is trying to create that tension; no one is trying to do anything wrong, but there are so many misunderstandings. This results in missed opportunities to convert tension and frustration into teamwork and harmony.” – Katherine Jeffery, Ph.D.
Generational diversity presents unique challenges, but it also offers remarkable opportunities for collaboration and innovation. By understanding generational dynamics, every leader and team member can contribute to creating a cohesive, high-performing team where each generation’s strengths are harnessed and respected.
About the author
An award-winning talent development professional, Liza Mucheru Wisner has extensive experience working directly with executive leadership at organizations in both the private and public sectors to develop and deliver learning experiences. As OpenSesame’s Enterprise Curator she works with publishers and customers to curate the very best content for the OpenSesame catalog.
