Intergenerational practice in the workplace

1. Intergenerational
practice
in the workplace
EWAN FISHER
TRUSTEE, GENERATIONS WORKING TOGETHER
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2. Agenda
1. Introduction to Generations Working Together
2. What is intergenerational practice?
3. The intergenerational workplace – characteristics and challenges
4. Capitalising on an intergenerational workforce
5. Generations Working Together’s activity
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3. Generations Working Together
Established in 2007 as Scottish Centre for Intergenerational Practice
Infrastructure organisation running 22 networks across Scotland, with more than 2,500 members
from 8 different countries
Provides information, delivers support and training for schools, social care providers, community
outreach projects and local charities.
Connects organisations locally and nationally to share best practice and learning.
vision:
“That all generations in Scotland will work together
to create a better and fairer country for all.”
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4. What is intergenerational practice?
Intergenerational practice (IP) aims to bring people together in purposeful, mutually beneficial
activities promoting greater understanding and respect between generations, and contributing
to building more cohesive communities. Intergenerational practice is inclusive and builds on the
positive resources that younger and older generations have to offer each other and those
around them.
- Beth Johnson Foundation
Intergenerational practice taps into the
link between difference and similarity
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5. Case study – Craft Cafe
Aim: to tackle stereotypes held by
different age groups
Participants: 22 Govan Craft Café
members aged 60+ and 32 Primary 7
children from Pirie Park Primary
School in Govan
Method: joint participation in arts
workshops in Govan Craft Café
Benefits: increased self-esteem,
learning new skills, keeping active,
reducing stereotypes
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6. Case study – Retired Engineers
Inspiring the Next Generation
Aim: address shortage of engineers
Participants: 15 retired engineers and
12 13/14 year olds
Method: hands-on workshops looking
at engineering challenges and
Benefits: better understanding of
career opportunities, improved
community cohesion, reduced
stereotypes
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7. Intergenerational practice in a
Scottish policy context
Wealthier
& Fairer
Smarter Healthier
Safer &
Stronger
Greener
Mutual &
Reciprocal
Benefit
Participatory Asset Based Well Planned
Culturally
Grounded
Community
Bonds &
Citizenship
Challenges
Ageism
Cross-
disciplinary
Scottish Government Strategic Objectives:
Principles of Intergenerational Practice*:
*Pinto et al; 2009 Guide of Ideas for Planning & Implementing Intergenerational Projects Together
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8. The intergenerational workplace
Traditionalists born 1922 – 1943
Baby boomers born 1944 – 1960
Generation X born 1961 – 1980
Generation Y (millennials) born 1981 – 2000
Generation Z born 2001 – present
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9. The intergenerational workplace:
challenge or benefit?
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increases risk of
conflict
more challenging to
manage employees
enhances our skillset
/ knowledge base
brings contrasting
views to our
organisation
source: RSM and YouGov, June 2018

10. Intergenerational challenges
in the workplace
context challenge
Political
Economic
Social
Technological
Legal
Environmental
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pension age
age-specific cliques
communication methods
loss of middle management
age discrimination
workplace design

11. Capitalising on an
intergenerational workforce
encourage 2-way
interaction & find
commonalities
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training
mentoring
youth
voice
multi-generational
teams
reverse
mentoring
communication
technology
skills
social
media

12. GWT activity
Market sounding exercise – workshops and interviews with employers, support bodies and other
stakeholders.
A need for intergenerational support for employers has been confirmed.
A training package is being developed aimed at employers’ HR and supervisory staff.
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13. Thank you for your attention
www.generationsworkingtogether.org
@generationswt
www.facebook.com/generationswt
www.youtube.com/generationswt
GWT conference 2019: Wednesday 6th March 2019, Glasgow
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To find out more:

14. Links/sources
GWT resource library: https://generationsworkingtogether.org/resources/
Scottish Government report: All our futures - Planning for a Scotland with an ageing population:
https://www.gov.scot/Topics/People/Equality/18501/Experience/AOFParliamentReport
GWT Scottish policy context: https://generationsworkingtogether.org/resources/guidelines-bringing-
together-local-authorities-and-intergenerational-practice-in-a-scottish-policy-context
Pinto et al study:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/234726963_Guide_of_Ideas_for_Planning_and_Implementing_
Intergenerational_Projects
RSM poll: https://www.rsmuk.com/ideas-and-insights/the-five-generation-
workforce?utm_source=sociabble&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=new-forces-at-
work&utm_content=9-07-18-five-generation
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