For the first time in history, there are five generations collaborating in offices all over Westchester County. (For anyone keeping score, we’re talking the Silent Generation, baby boomers, Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z, with ages ranging from later 70s to mid-late teens.) Each gen has something worthwhile to offer, whether by way of industry knowledge, lived experience or negotiation skills (older employees) or the kind of outside-the-box thinking that can lead to fresh ideas and new ways of doing things (younger hires). The list of ways everyone can benefit from working with colleagues of all ages is endless, provided everyone is open to it.
“We know that diversity of age in the workplace creates incredible opportunities for learning, collaboration and innovation,” says Melissa Strauss, president of the Westchester Human Resources Management Association, an affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management in White Plains. “Working together also helps break down stereotypes and fosters mutual respect.”
In addition, at-work friendships can help employees of all ages cope with ongoing issues such as office politics and on-the-job stress. Plus, the competition that often plagues same-gen employees tends to be way less fierce when employees are at very different ages and stages in their careers. Ultimately, it’s always a good idea for co-workers to focus less on age and more on capabilities, Strauss says.
“The best thing for employees to do is to see each other for what they bring to the job, not for their age on paper,” Strauss says. “In addition, it’s always important to remember that everyone, regardless of age or tenure at the company, has something valuable to contribute. If we remember this, we’ll build stronger companies and communities.” Below, experts explain the five reasons why intergenerational relationships in the workplace are so valuable.
Everyone can learn from each other.
While younger people can benefit from hearing from older colleagues about first-hand experiences negotiating raises or juggling work and family, they can also pepper older co-workers with fresh perspectives and teach them new technology. When these relationships click, everyone feels valued and included, Strauss says.
These working relationships can prevent knowledge gaps.
If you pair a younger member of a team with a more seasoned one, there’s a good chance the newbie to the office will pick up key pieces of information and best practices about the business as a whole. “In addition, by having multiple generations work together, you’ll prevent knowledge loss when seasoned employees retire,” Strauss points out.
Both gens can find new ways to communicate.
Having people on multiple sides of the generational spectrum helps everyone come up with real-time solutions for even the most basic workplace issues, such as how to best talk to each other. “I regularly hear that the newer generation won’t pick up the phone or that they’re not going to come over to talk with you even if you work a few feet away from each other,” Strauss says. “Instead of just saying ‘IM’ing won’t work,’ the more mature employees can try sharing why in-person conversations are so valuable and stress why they’ll ultimately lead to better collaborations among the team as a whole.”
Intergenerational relationships can lead to mentorship.
When you pair up two people, either through a dedicated mentorship program or a more informal one, the results can be a powerful tool that aids in professional development and can even lead to increased empathy for each other, says Lindsey Garito, a human resources expert in Port Chester. “Through any sort of mentorship, you’ll create pathways where people are devoting time to focused conversation and learning from each other,” she says. “This is especially important because each person will have very diverse perspectives and experiences. Sharing those will help both the mentor and the mentee.”
Age-related myths can be dispelled.
If working together is encouraged by everyone in the office, intergenerational relationships at the workplace will enhance trust, reduce silos, and build community. In addition, myths about each other can be overcome, and that’s good for everyone. “There are so many misunderstandings, whether it’s this idea that older people perpetually resist change or that younger people have a propensity to job hop,” Strauss says. “The more everyone works together, the more these misconceptions can be overcome.”
“Through any sort of mentorship, you’ll create pathways where people are devoting time to focused conversation and learning from each other.”
Related: Work-Based Learning at Mercy University Offers Real Experience
