Whether you’re a start-up or burgeoning small business, having a range of workers from baby boomers to millennials can help your business thrive.
Every generation has their own needs and skills – and making sure your workplace can adapt to these is important in modern-day multi-generational offices.
We look at each generation, what their strengths and weaknesses are and what you need in your office to get the best from them.
Millennials – age 20-35
Pros
Millennials, sometimes known as Gen Y, are famously full of confidence. Taught by parents that their opinions are valued and to speak up, some describe them as arrogant while others say they simply know what they want and how to get it – a trait that can be used in any office. Not only that but they can multi-task, are tech savvy and very social.
Cons
The perceived arrogance can be a problem, with many having the attitude that they have been brought in to improve the company, not to work within it. This may be why they are not seen as team players and often need reassurance and praise.
Office must have
Break out areas – the Millennials form of working is more relaxed, less structured, which is reflected in the office designs.
Gen X – age 35-50
Pros
More experienced than their Gen Y counterparts, an Ernst & Young survey found that they are regarded as great managers and problem solvers. They are seen as people who can not only boost revenues but are more collaborative than the younger generation.
Cons
Lack of progress in their careers can make them frustrated. Nearly half of Gen-Xers feel their careers have stalled, according to the Centre for Talent Innovation, due to the fact than many baby boomers are working for longer. They are also seen as more cynical and distrustful than wide-eyed Millennials.
Office must have
A separate office for the boss – Gen-Xer’s respect their superiors and see them as experts in their field.
Baby boomers – age 50-70
Pros
From a post-war upbringing, this generation has had to work hard to get where they are. They are confident and able to work alone to reach their goals but are also happy to mentor the younger generation, believing they can learn a lot from them.
Cons
They can be stuck in their ways and are not always flexible when it comes to modern working techniques or hours. They don’t believe as much in remote working, can be dismissive of youth and think longer working hours are better.
Office must have
Big desks. The desk is where you work – not at home or in a coffee shop.
Retirees – over 65s
Pros
Last year there were 1 million over-65s in the UK workplace, offering great advice and mentoring. They can provide a totally different skills set to the younger generation and are also less likely to be sick than baby boomers, with ONS figures showing over 65s lose just 2.3% of their working time through illness.
Cons
While they are eager, they might not be able to work the long hours of the younger generation or be as tech savvy.
Office must have
Adapted workplace – older people often have specific mobility needs which need to be tackled.
Posted by The Secret Businessman