Supporting a workforce made of various generations can be challenging. Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, are known for their strong work ethic, placing importance on professional accomplishments and being socially reserved. Generation X, born between 1965 and 1980, tend to focus on work-life balance, be self-sufficient and value independence. Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, thrive on innovation, flexibility and instant feedback. Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2015, is the most tech-savvy, great at multitasking and concerned about career stability. With such distinct characteristics and work styles, it’s important that all generations work together to attain common goals. Here are five ways you can support a generationally diverse workforce.

How To Lead a Team of All Ages

1. Modify Your Recruiting Strategies

Focus on different recruiting strategies to attract different groups of employees. Make sure your job ads appeal to and welcome candidates of varying generations. Advertise your openings through various channels to easily reach potential candidates. Include social media in your recruiting, as candidates of all generations are on at least one platform. Encourage candidates to ask many questions during interviews to determine what they’re looking for and what they should expect.

2. Maintain an Open Mind

Stay open-minded about employees of any generation. Rather than making assumptions based on age, get to know each team member. Find out about their individual preferences, goals, skills, weaknesses, ways of communicating and work styles. Customize your approach to working with each.

3. Adapt Communication Styles

Modify your communication style for each employee. While Baby Boomers tend to prefer phone calls, Millennials typically like instant messaging, texting and other digital methods. Although Baby Boomers and Generation X often enjoy working independently, Millennials and Generation Z usually prefer collaborating. Whereas Baby Boomers and Generation X typically don’t want performance feedback, Millennials and Generation Z tend to prefer immediate feedback. Learn each team member’s preferred communication style and use it.

4. Diversify Project Teams

Make sure your teammates collaborating on projects are generationally diverse. Leverage the strengths of each individual. In many cases, Baby Boomers can share valuable industry knowledge while Generation Z may use the latest technology to help with tasks. Encourage teammates to work together and build relationships. Help them resolve generational differences when needed.

5. Implement an Intergenerational Mentoring Program

Encourage employees to participate in an intergenerational mentoring program. Baby Boomers can pass along their industry and company knowledge and experience to help develop leadership skills in other generations. Millennials and Generation Z can share technology tips with Baby Boomers and Generation X. All generations can work together to increase their skills, knowledge, engagement and performance.

Hire Generationally Diverse Accountants in Western Canada

Let Mercer Bradley help you fill your accounting jobs in Western Canada with generationally diverse accountants. We treat clients and candidates with great respect and are ethical, honest and transparent in all that we do. Contact us today!