WLH – Bridging Generational Gaps

The Workplace Wellness Collective: Workplace Leadership Hour Episode 1

In an increasingly diverse workplace, understanding and bridging generational gaps is crucial for fostering a positive and supportive environment. The Workplace Wellness Collective proudly presents the first episode of the Workplace Leadership Hour: Bridging Generational Gaps. This insightful episode, co-hosted by Sumana Jeddy, Michele Thomson, and Felipe Cofiño, dives deep into strategies, solutions, and research that can help different generations collaborate effectively. Here’s a summary of the key takeaways from this engaging discussion.

Sumana Jeddy

CEO Jeddy Wellness

Key Insights:

• • Creating a Productive Environment

    Sumana emphasizes the importance of establishing a workplace grounded in shared principles. This foundation fosters productivity and mutual respect across generations.

• • Leadership and Values

    Leaders play a pivotal role in shaping workplace standards that align with core values, positively influencing outcomes. Reflecting on personal values is the first step towards changing leadership behavior

• • Mutual Understanding

    Leaders can respect employees’ values, morals, and needs by understanding and leveraging their strengths.

• • Readiness for Change

    Successful change requires readiness and confidence to adapt.

Research Highlights to Bridge Generational Gaps:

Managing Multiple Generations: Scenarios From the Workplace by Joyce A. Hahn, PhD, APRN-CNS, NEA-BC.

The Acorn Principles: These five principles aim to create a harmonious work environment accommodating all generations:

1. 1. Accommodate Employee Differences: Recognize generational needs and unique preferences.
   2. Create Workplace Choices: Allow the workplace to influence tasks to benefit both customers and employees.
   3. Operate from a Sophisticated Management Style: Share the big picture, including specific goals and measures, and then give employees the freedom to do their work.
   4. Respect Competence and Initiative: Expect the best from all employees and treat everyone as valuable contributors.
   5. Nourish Retention: Prioritize keeping staff as much as gaining and retaining customers.

Michele Thomson

Leadership and Workplace Culture Specialist

Key Insights:

• • Historical Workforce Diversity

    For the first time in history, five generations are working together. Michele highlights the significance of recognizing and valuing this diversity.

• • Ageism from Both Sides

    Ageism affects both older and younger employees, impacting their sense of worth and value in the workplace.

• • Strengths-Based Approach

    Embrace the diverse strengths each generation brings and celebrate these differences as valuable assets.

Strategies to Bridge the Generational Gap

Felipe Cofiño

HR Executive| Top HR Voice Linkedin

 Key Insights:

• • Compassion Over Judgment

    Felipe stresses the importance of learning from one another without judgement. Ask questions, seek help, and be open-minded to change.

• • Open Mindset

    Encourage an environment where younger and older generations can teach and learn from each other

• • Technological Adaptation:

    Embrace technological advancements and be adaptive by learning and asking questions.

Ideas for Leaders When Bridging the Gap (FelipesFive)

1. Prioritize Mental Health and Well-Being: Focus on the mental health and well-being of employees.

2. Preferred Communication Styles: Find and respect preferred communication styles.

3. Work-Life Balance and Harmony: Adapt to help employees improve their work-life balance.

4. Professional Development/Technology Adaptation: Incorporate various learning styles preferred by different generations, such as LinkedIn Learning, asynchronous webinars, etc.

5. Open Mindset: Encourage a continuous learning and teaching environment.

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Written by Allison Giammona and Reviewed by Sumana Jeddy

Stay connected with The Workplace Wellness Collective for more resources and discussions on creating a healthier, more inclusive workplace.