Introducing ‘Five Reasons to Raise Our Human Game’, our latest series of articles delving into the top five people challenges of 2024 we have identified in our exclusive research.
With almost three in five of the world’s employees ‘quiet-quitting’, in this series, we explore how human connection serves as an antidote to prevalent issues affecting workplaces across the country. The issues we analyse include burnout, loneliness, low engagement, and diminished performance.
In this instalment, we are shining a spotlight on the increasing disconnect between generational needs. We offer expert insights into how forward-thinking companies can nurture a high-performing culture through the power of human connection, tailored to the diverse needs of their workforce, and leverage the benefits of a diverse workforce.
Diverse Workforces in 2024
Today’s diverse workplace landscape extends far beyond the traditional markers of ethnicity, gender, religion, and culture. It is a rich tapestry which extends to include sexual orientation, sexuality, physical abilities, and, now generational inclusivity.
In this unique environment, four to five distinct generations are now working side by side, from Baby Boomers to digitally native Gen Z.
However, this is becoming a significant challenge for companies. The combination of different generations introduces unique perspectives, communication styles, working habits, and expectations.
But with every challenge, there is a solution. Rather than viewing generational differences as obstacles, companies must recognise them as a valuable asset that contributes to the fabric of their culture and collective wisdom.
The solution here lies in understanding and embracing the unique characteristics, preferences, and perspectives of each generation. That, instead of overcoming the challenges of generational diversity, it’s about seizing the opportunity to create a more inclusive, equitable, and successful workplace.
The Business Case for A Diverse Workforce
Research indicates that multigenerational workforces are essential for growth, with one survey finding that more than eight in 10 global leaders recognise that multigenerational workforces are key to growth.
Yet, many companies are falling short in implementing unbiased recruitment processes, with more than half of the 5,598 global executives surveyed not including age in Diversity & Inclusion policies.
When effectively included and managed, a diverse workforce leads to teams that are more stable and resilient, with a greater range of skills, knowledge, and experience. This creates vital spillovers, contributing to enhanced productivity and team performance across a company.
As a result, it is estimated that multigenerational workforces could raise GDP per capita by 19% over the next three decades.
Meanwhile, data also found that for 3 out of 4 employees, a diverse workforce culture has become an important factor when evaluating job offers, while 32% of job seekers would not apply for a job if there is a lack of diversity amongst the workforce.
6 Strategies for Integrating a Diverse Workforce
Balancing the diverse needs and cultural expectations of each generation, while navigating changing working models, will require innovative strategies, effective human skills training, and a resilient commitment to putting people at the heart of your business strategy.
Understand Generational Dynamics
Demographic trends are leading to more multigenerational workplaces, with a larger mix of ages creating a wealth of diverse experience, skills, and knowledge. By recognising the richness that diversity brings to the table, companies can harness the collective wisdom and experiences of employees spanning different age groups.
But navigating complex generational dynamics requires a strategic understanding of each cohort’s unique perspectives, values, and preferences – as well as understanding lingering stereotypes or outdated thinking.
The values and needs of workers aged 50+ will vary massively to the needs and desires of workers within the 20-30 age bracket. For leaders and managers, it’s important to establish and facilitate dialogue and feedback between generations, enabling workers to openly discuss the type of culture and processes they would benefit most from.
Embrace Flexibility
Flexibility has become a firm fixture in the workplace, offering a spectrum of working arrangements, from traditional offices to remote and hybrid working options. For employees, it has become a huge incentive, as it helps them to maintain a healthy work-life balance tailored to their individual circumstances.
Flexible working is one benefit with a broad appeal to employees of all ages, accommodating personal, wellbeing, and mobility needs. Whether it be a change in working hours, variable schedules or locations, companies can utilise flexibility to establish a culture that promotes work-life balance for all.
Facilitate Inclusive Communication and Empathy
Effective communication and empathy are key to bridging the generational gap, both in internal and external communication processes.
Internally, each generation may have distinct communication styles.
Some workers may prefer face-to-face meetings, whereas others gravitate towards digital channels, such as email or messaging platforms. To accommodate these diverse preferences, companies should remain open to providing multiple avenues for communication and encourage intergenerational dialogue to foster understanding, empathy, and collaboration.
Vitally, adapting communication methods works to include employees who may be feeling disconnected or lonely. Enabling them to communicate via their preferred method helps them feel like a valued part of the team, and be more involved in the conversations happening within the workplace.
Look to train managers and team leaders in active listening and inclusive communication techniques to ensure that all voices are heard and respected. By fostering an environment of empathy and understanding, leaders create a culture where employees feel valued and can seamlessly collaborate, leading to increased morale and productivity.
Externally, companies must adopt inclusive hiring practices to make recruitment accessible to all candidates.
This involves providing necessary support for anyone to apply and being vigilant about any unconscious bias in hiring panels. As a result, companies will be able to attract a diverse pool of talent and cultivate a positive employer reputation.
Encourage Mentorship and Learning
Encouraging cross-generational mentorship programmes can be mutually beneficial for employees of all ages. Establishing set processes where experienced employees are paired with new employees, can help facilitate knowledge transfer, innovation, and career development.
Collaboration on projects or tasks actively encourages dialogue and professional respect, enabling employees to gain a deeper appreciation for each other’s perspectives and contributions.
Through mentorship, workers can share their experiences and skills, while offering fresh perspectives and understanding. This fosters a culture of inclusivity and teamwork, breaking down barriers and promoting cohesion across the company where employees make meaningful, human connections.
Invest in Human Skills
Continual investment in human skills and development is crucial for nurturing high-performing teams in today’s dynamic workplace environment. As a landscape characterised by uncertainty and change, adaptability and resilience become invaluable assets for employees and companies alike.
Human skills training equips employees with the mindset and tools needed to navigate these challenges effectively. By creating a culture of adaptability, companies empower their teams to thrive, while implementing effective strategies to support and build high performance. Providing ample opportunities for skill development ensures that employees of all ages and backgrounds can remain engaged, updated, and competitive in their careers.
But building high-performing teams requires more than just strong technical skills – it demands strong interpersonal dynamics and human connection. Human skills training educates teams on how to understand and implement key ingredients for success, such as trust, communication, accountability, and shared goals.
Equipping employees with the practical tools and techniques for approaching challenging conversations, bridging gaps in knowledge, and mitigating burnout builds on a culture of openness, support, and collaboration. This in turn encourages individuals to prioritise personal growth, seek out opportunities for learning, and appreciate the diversity of perspectives and experiences within their teams.
Investing in skills training and development is not just a necessity but a strategic move for companies looking to build healthy, high-performing teams that can thrive in a fast-paced and complex business environment.
By prioritising the development of human skills alongside technical expertise, companies unlock the full potential of their teams and drive innovation and success.
Raise Your Human Game with POINT3 Wellbeing
Join us on our mission to help businesses build healthy and high-performing teams through the power of human connection. Together, we can create solutions to the many challenges employees face, so they can perform at work and protect their health and wellbeing.
At POINT3 Wellbeing, we are an impact-led employee wellbeing agency, working directly with people and businesses to make the greatest impact for your business by supporting your people and their mental health and wellbeing. Our innovative human skills training is tailored to providing support that motivates, educates, and energises employees.
Get in touch today to discover how you can Raise Your Human Game.