MULTIGENERATIONAL WORKPLACE
BY : ROSS E . RUTMAN MARKETING , JGS INSURANCE
Leading A Multigenerational Workplace
What can we expect from the American generations currently in the US workforce ? There is a serious problem in the workplace and it has nothing to do with the typical issues such as competition . In fact , the problem at hand is managing the different generations on your team . In order for a business to maximize effectiveness and efficiency , a strong leader should take the time to understand generational characteristics and learn how to implement his or her findings .
There have been a number of terms used to name the American generations over the years . Every time we blink , there seems to be a new term describing the younger generations . And you may have the four latest generations in your workplace : the Baby Boomers , Generation X ( Gen X ), Generation Y ( Gen Y , also known as Millennials ), and Generation Z ( Gen Z ). In addition to these four generations , we now have Generation C ( Gen C ) which is not actually an age group — it ’ s a mindset ! Gen C is a new force in consumer culture . They are people who care deeply about creation , curation , connection , and community .
These generations have different views on many facets of life : core values , work ethics , families , education , money , and especially how they communicate . ( For more clarification on these generations and why they are the way they are , stay tuned to JGS Risk & Business where I will write in detail about each group .)
Each generation has its own attributes and , of course , ISSUES ! Don ’ t we all ? No one is perfect . There once was a time when one generation led the other . Welcome to 2017 , a new era , where the generations work alongside each other and work towards the same goals .
I know , I know . You ’ re asking yourself , how can we all work together when we are all so different ? Especially when we know how some , if not all , of the generations struggle to even live with one another ! The world we live in has drastically changed over the past several years and who knows what to expect as we move forward . In my opinion , as time goes on , more of the population will transition to Gen C . The next generation is on its way !
LET ’ S “ COMBINE FORCES ” AND “ BRIDGE THE GAP ”! How do we do that ? Suppose we look at this from a new perspective : all American generations can be better together !
Step one in this vital journey is cracking the code of how you and your team operate . Are you a Gen X communicator while your right-hand colleague tends to hide behind his or her keyboard ? In that case , a tool such as collaborative intraoffice software may be the key to progress . If you are a Baby Boomer stuffed full of moral fiber and grit who has to show a team of Gen Y Millennials what work really looks like , then maybe out-of-office , team-building days are your best approach . Maybe you ’ re a Gen Y leader with a team full of Baby Boomers , and you are the one bringing technology and training in as a solution .
All of this is to say that without truly taking the time to understand the multiple generations on your team , you can ’ t develop strategies for them to work most efficiently . Be a leader and use your multigenerational team to your advantage ! Collaborate with , and obtain a consensus from , your team . The resulting different ideas and skill sets can become a productive combination in ANY industry . Great business is based on the understanding of others . +
Ross Rutman began his career in the property management industry twelve years ago . While working within various departments including operations , information technology , condominium management and insurance ; Ross decided to pursue his passion and joined JGS Insurance . For the past two years Ross has represented the JGS marketing team by working alongside our sales , service and management side of our business . He strives to provide a consultative approach and proactive services to our clients . Ross and his family reside in East Brunswick , NJ . He spends all of his spare time with his family and friends , but also loves to take spontaneous trips to Atlantic City .
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