While platitudes and displayed posters declare the need for teamwork, trainers dish out old, worn-out cliches like: “It takes teamwork to make the dream work,” etc. All these initiatives do not seem to work well. What is needed is to study the dynamics of a multigenerational workforce working together.
Gen X, born between the mid-1960s and the early 1980s, usually occupy a more senior management position; some may be on the verge of retirement. While Gen-Zers were born with an iPad in hand, millennials hail from an era where computers were the primary tool for productivity. In many business organizations and institutions, I have observed that many Gen-Xers and boomers prefer phone calls, much to the frustration of many.
Boomers and Gen Xers may prioritize constant availability and in-office work, while millennials and Gen Z prioritize work-life balance and remote capabilities. Additionally, differing communication styles pose a challenge, with each generation comfortable with distinct technologies and vocabularies.