Multi-generational working environment  is almost a very common situation in businesses today. Overall, it brings a lot of opportunities that you can’t imagine. However, there are still some potential challenges that deserve attention. To better understand this issue, please follow us in detail through the article below!

What is a multi-generational work environment? 

Multi-generation in the working environment can be simply understood as multiple generations working together. All are different in personality, way of looking at problems, age and working style. 

The generations that exist in today’s working environment are: 

• Baby Boomers (1946-1964)
• Generation X (1965-1980)
• Generation Y (1981-1996)
• Generation Z (1997-2010)

Depending on each business field of businesses, they will have different recruitment needs. But the most popular ones today focus on gen X to gen Z. 

Opportunities or benefits of a multi-generational working environment

It is impossible to deny the benefits that this working environment brings. May be mentioned as: 

Solve problems at its best 

When working in a multi-generational environment, every problem that occurs will have many solutions and many great ideas. People of generations X and Y are mostly in charge and willing to share experiences to choose the best solution for every situation. Therefore, working in a multi-generational environment ensures greater work efficiency. 

Find many customers

If a business’s products and services target customers of a specific age, the potential customer base will be more widespread and easier to meet. But if your business is aimed at a mass audience, regardless of age, combined with a staff of the same generation, finding and exploiting the needs of customers is very difficult. Specifically, the younger generation will not be able to fully understand the needs of older customers. 

A multi-generational working environment will help you understand the exact needs of consumers. Because as mentioned, people of the same generation often have similar thoughts and ideas. 

Increase the ability to learn and receive knowledge

It can be seen that in large enterprises, they always encourage and make efforts to train their human resources. Help them gain more professional knowledge and skills to complete the job well. 

And the most effective and cost-effective solution is to take advantage of the experienced and available human resources in the business. Usually people with positions, the core force of the enterprise. Therefore, you will learn a lot of valuable knowledge when working in this environment. 

Challenges in multi-generational environments

In addition to the opportunities that we can clearly see, there are also some challenges. 

Conflicts during work

Different generations mean different thoughts. Although times are increasingly changing and developing, not everyone accepts change to integrate. This will be most clearly seen in generations X and Y. Both of these generations will often have conflicts with generation Z, also known as gen Z. 

Specifically, when a problem occurs, generation X or Y will choose a safe solution and follow the beaten path. But Gen Z wants to take risks and breakthroughs and accepts the pursuit of new things. It is these ways of thinking that have led to conflict and contradiction. And everything will reach its peak when there is no one to solve the problem. 

Differences in working style

Not only age and perspective, but also the working style of each generation is different. Older people always have maturity in their demeanor, but young people do not. Especially in generation Z, they are innovative, fun, free and comfortable in their working style. 

How to make a multi-generational environment harmonious? 

Maintaining a multi-generational working environment is not easy for managers. But this is a must because it determines the development of the business. You can refer to the following ways. 

Don’t let age become a barrier

If you have decided to grow your business with a diverse age group, you need to find a way to retain them. That means, create many opportunities and values ​​so they can develop their careers at your business. 

There should be no age discrimination nor judgments based on age. You should view them based on their work efficiency and the benefits they bring to the business. Remember, age does not reflect a person’s value, ability or experience. 

Don’t make assumptions about age

To maintain a productive work environment when there are multiple generations, you should not make assumptions based on age. Specifically, do not judge older people as unable to use technology devices or young people as ignorant. These assumptions will lead to wrong decisions. You should rely on facts rather than making inferences based on age. 

Really understand them

The fact that you care about the human resources working in your business will bring unexpected benefits. You should pay attention to what they want because each generation’s thinking is different, leading to different desires and needs. By clearly defining it, you can easily adjust the regulations to suit and meet the needs of most every employee. 

The multi-generational working environment always has parallel challenges and opportunities. You need to welcome opportunities and accept challenges to change and adapt. How to create harmony and everyone can develop together, bringing good benefits to the business. And to create an effective working space, the support of office tables and chairs is indispensable  . Contact us immediately for advice!