From Baby Boomers to Generation Z – Managing a Multigenerational Workforce
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Today, for the first time in history, five generations of employees are working together. This creates challenges for your company in managing the needs and expectations of a diverse workforce made up of everyone from recent college graduates to Baby Boomers.
It’s important for managers to recognize generational differences and develop effective strategies for managing all employees, regardless of where they are on their career path. An effective human capital management strategy – and a robust HCM platform – provide the analytical insights and real-time data access you need to meet these challenges.
Every employee is unique, but generational definitions can be helpful in identifying some of the key differences among generations. Here are a few.
Communication
One of the key differences among different generations is the way in which they consume information. As technology in the workplace has changed, so have communication styles. Baby Boomer and Generation X employees tend to prefer phone and email communications, while Millennials rely heavily on text and instant messages.
No matter the preference, effective communication with employees is critical to managing a multigenerational workforce. An automated HCM solution can provide you with a wide range of communication options, including email, text messages, voice mail, and on-screen alerts.
Work/Life Balance
Different generations view the balance between employment and personal lives differently. Older generations tend to have a “live to work” mentality, while younger generations lean toward a “work to live” approach. In addition, Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Zers are more likely to be part of a dual-income family, which adds to the pressure of managing work/life balance.
These shifting demographic patterns have led to changes in how different generations view their workplace responsibilities. As managers work with employees across the spectrum, it’s important to balance employee needs with the needs of the organization. Flexibility and self-service in scheduling is just one way that HCM technology can address both.
Managing Absences
Employee absences – both planned and unplanned – are a reality for any business. And the cost for your company can be significant. The causes for absenteeism tend to vary by generation and include caring for aging parents, raising families, dealing with medical issues, and juggling sick children and snow days. But what doesn’t change is the need to minimize the impact of employee absences on cost and productivity. To reduce the effects of absenteeism, you need insight into the day-to-day data so you can see what the trends are. A cloud-based HCM solution like Workforce Go! HCM can give you that insight.
A Changing Work Environment
As more generations enter the workforce, and workplace technology evolves, the concept of “office” is changing. People are working at different times and in different locations – providing greater flexibility for employees but increasing the challenges for managers in determining when their employees are working and what they are working on. Younger generations in particular are more inclined to want to work at unconventional times and in unconventional work spaces.
In this complex environment, you need real-time visibility into your workforce. Analytics dashboards give you the actionable information you need to track productivity – whether your employees are working from home, the office, or the coffee shop down the street.
An HCM solution like Workforce Go! HCM can help you manage the strengths, weaknesses, and personalities of all employees, whatever their generation. To find out more, contact us today at [email protected] or 214-800-5575.
Sidebar:
Want to know more? Download our ebook, Managing Today’s Complex, Multigenerational Workforce.