The vast majority of UK workers reckon that a multi-generational workforce leads to increased innovation and problem-solving and would prefer to work in age-diverse teams, a new study finds.
Data from Randstad’s quarterly Workmonitor report reveals that 85 per cent of respondents say that they come up with more innovative ideas and solutions as a result of working in age-diverse teams (10-15 years difference in age); 86 per cent would choose to work in a multi-generational team. The study covers 34 countries around the world.
Exploring the business benefits and challenges of an age-diverse workforce, the study shows most workers on a worldwide basis find the variety to be mutually beneficial but workers in China, India and Norway rated its importance to innovation most highly at 94 per cent respectively.
However, the study also found communication is often where the alignment between generations breaks down. Three quarters of UK workers (76 per cent) agree the primary difference between generations in the workplace is communication styles with nearly one third (31 per cent) admitting they find it difficult to communicate with co-workers who are not from their own age group.
While the majority of workers feel their managers are generally effective in managing and working alongside employees from different generations, the study also suggests there may be room for improvement.
Three-quarters of UK workers reckon their direct managers are talented at working together with various generations. But three-fifths say their direct managers treat colleagues from various generations differently. Whether this is perceived as a positive thing or not varies from person to person, but it is evident that managers should tailor their communication styles to individual team members, the report states.
“Part of the challenge of managing effectively is knowing how to relay your message, which requires understanding the individual communication styles of the people on your team and how they approach their work,” said Jim Link, chief human resources officer for Randstad North America.
“There are more generations in the workforce than ever before, which has resulted in a greater variety of expectations around workplace communication. People in different stages of their lives and careers are also motivated in different ways, and managers must work to tailor feedback to help individuals maximise their potential.”
