“There are no barriers in anything which is one of the ways you handle multi-generational environments rather than building walls of politeness. We tend to be pretty much brutal about everything.”
He says generational differences rarely come up, apart from the time the younger ones start talking about music and what they got up to on the weekend.
But when it gets down to issues about work, it’s just not there. Much of that has to do with the IT industry itself. The technology sector is different.
“The oldies have to be techies anyway to be working here,’’ he says. “You’re not going to bamboozle us with any technology or anything like that because we are familiar with whatever we have to be familiar with. So the generational difference, which is usually technological, isn’t really an issue in this environment.“
The only time generational differences might come up is when people start having a go at the older ones about their physical capabilities. But then the older employees know how to serve it right back.
Fast Facts
• Recognise that different generations have different needs, aspirations and capabilities.
• Accommodate employee differences, work to meet their specific needs and preferences.
• Accommodate personal scheduling needs, work-life balance issues and non-traditional lifestyles.
• Focus on workplace learning but recognise that different generations have different learning styles and needs. A classroom might suit older employees. It’s less likely to work for younger ones.
• Working with a multi-generational workforce requires respect, from all parties.
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