How does your Multi-Gen workforce work?

Understanding your workforce and keeping them happy 

With such diverse workforces in the UK now, it is important that employers recognise how to engage different generational groups. This isn’t about what generation is harder to engage, but more about understanding different character profiles. For example, there would be different methods of engaging longer-term staff in comparison to newer staff.  

Brilliant Boomers 

Boomers are known for their strong work ethic, love of competition, mental focus and discipline. In order to engage with this effectively, there are many things you can do. For one, you can introduce healthy opposition between co-workers using step-challenges, team quizzes or even a baking competition. While these things get people engaged, they can also be used as tools to raise money for charitable causes. To encourage their positive work ethic, give them challenges, new exciting tasks and the opportunity for career progression.  

Genial Gen X 

Similar to that of Baby Boomers, Gen X are known for their independence, resourcefulness, and self-sufficiency. However, they value their freedom and responsibility in the workplace and so would most likely appreciate flexible working hours and independent projects rather than team ones. Try not to micro-manage, as this will only make them feel as if they are being watched.  

Multitasking Millennial  

There is a significant jump between Gen X and Millennials. Millennials much prefer close management and reassurance to better understand what they can work on. They would benefit from having regular meeting with managers, close feedback and open opportunity for career progression.  However, they are known for their talent for juggling their workload pretty effectively, so giving them weekly (or even daily) goals will allow them to keep track of things.  

Genteel Gen Z 

When some other generations might prefer flexible working hours, it is found in research that Gen Z workers are more interested in more money and newer, flashy tech. Giving them flexible hours is great, but it would be even better to provide them with a laptop, tablet or even a phone so they could work remotely.   

If you would like to learn more about your diverse workforce, read Reward and Recognition for a Multi-Gen Workforce or get in touch to speak to one of our benefits experts.