There are five working generations in the workplace right now. Understanding generational differences based on their behaviors and upbringing will give you an advantage in your industry and business culture. Greater Good Greenville hosted “The Power of Intergenerational Communication: Bridging the Generational Gap and Creating Unity”, a workshop led by Kamber Parker Bowden, CEO and Founder of YoPro Know. This workshop was the second in our Energizing Your Mission series and was generously sponsored by Duke Energy.
During the workshop, Kamber Parker Bowden explained that the workplace is undergoing a significant transformation, with Gen Z and Millennials projected to comprise over half of the U.S. workforce by 2025. Managers who don’t understand the unique drivers of these Gen Z and Millennial team members may find their organizations incurring part of the staggering $30.5 billion cost of young professional turnover annually.
Misunderstandings, lack of trust, and unclear expectations often lie at the root of these issues. And for nonprofits, this applies not only to staff, but also to board members, donors, volunteers and program participants.
Understanding the communication preferences of the five working generations is crucial. It’s also essential to understand each generation’s unique drivers, such as Gen Z’s affinity for compensation and Millennials’ preference for flexibility; each group has its own motivators and characteristics often obscured by common myths.
Recognizing triggers of poor communication and employing tools to connect with all generations can mitigate conflicts. Setting clear expectations and respecting preferred communication channels, such as social media, can enhance engagement.
Successful intergenerational communication fosters a clear vision, positive culture, and increased productivity. YoPro Know advocates for education, recognition, and respect as foundational elements. Setting a strong and open culture of communication and empowering to share information and understand differences in values and motivations will create a more positive workplace and effective teams.
In a rapidly evolving workplace, adapting communication strategies to embrace diversity ensures not only stronger intergenerational connections but also tangible returns including financial gains, heightened productivity, and a more rewarding workplace environment.
For more information and resources, check out YoPro Know’s website.
