How to Get the Best from Your Multi-Generational Workforce

Generation Z is the most recent generation to join the workforce, with Baby Boomers yet to retire; so for the first time ever, we have 4 generations working together.

Your staff may have quite different attitudes to work, perceptions, values and behaviours, simply because they belong to a different generation.

Getting to know the varied characteristics/ stereotypes of each generational cohort can help you get the BEST from your teams and individual workers…

Need help? Get in Touch with the Human Resources specialists at Exceed Outsourcing.

1. Generation Z – Debatable birth range – from 1993+/ 1997+ / 2000+

Starting with the youngest generation in the current workforce – Generation Z | Gen Z | the Rainbow Generation | Zoomers | iGen – make up 20% of the UK workforce¹ and have never known a life without technology.
Masters of tech, Gen Z is extremely comfortable with, and expects to use, modern technology for their work and communication.
Despite this, research found the majority of Gen Zs prefer to communicate in person² and thrive in collaborative environments.
Ambitious and confident “digital-natives”⁸, Gen Zs often seek jobs that provide the opportunity for them to contribute, create and learn, and offer flexibility.
Often this means doing it for themselves, with a third of Zoomers already considering starting their own business.³

2. Millennials – Born 1980-1995

Also referred to as Generation Y, Millennials make up the largest percentage of the current workforce.
Growing up during significant technological advancements, they’re considered to be more self-sufficient, creative and hopeful compared to their predecessors.
Thanks to the internet, Millennials didn’t rely on others to solve their problems or teach them things growing up – which makes them confident and curious and more likely than older generations to question authority.⁸
Their optimistic outlook could explain why 49% of new businesses in the UK between July 2020 and June 2021 were founded by Millennials.⁴

3. Generation X – Born 1966-1980

Generation X grew up when technology was advancing fast, but wasn’t as available as it is today; so this generation straddles both the digital and non-digital world.
Sometimes thought of as the forgotten middle child, Generation X | Gen X tend to be more resourceful, logical and good problem solvers.⁸
They enjoy autonomy and do not work well under micro-management.
They are loyal to their companies, with research reporting that only 14% of Gen Xers have considered leaving their job, compared to 31% of Gen Z and 27% of Millennials.⁵
With a strong need for work-life balance, Gen X do not like to take their work home with them, resulting in great time management skills to maintain their equilibrium.

For Help with Multi-Generational Staffing – Outsource to Exceed!

Whilst not all individuals fit neatly into their generational stereotype, these broad definitions can help you identify and understand potential reasons for collaboration/conflict in your workplace.

Getting to know individuals better is key to improving employee relationships, and fostering a flexible and inclusive culture (which does not prioritise any one generation over another) will help you get the best from your multigenerational team(s).

Nevertheless, we understand that HR can be a challenge in SMEs when your limited staff/ resources/ time often mean that day-to-day tasks take priority over HR matters. The specialists at Exceed Outsourcing are here to help you!

Our range of Human Resources and Payroll support services are tailored specifically to the needs of UK SMEs, so to get the help you need, please Get in Touch!

References

How to Get the Best From Your Multi-Generational Workforce

1. Generation Z – Debatable birth range – from 1993+/ 1997+ / 2000+

2. Millennials – Born 1980-1995

3. Generation X – Born 1966-1980

For Help with Multi-Generational Staffing – Outsource to Exceed!

You may also like: