This document provides 8 tips for communicating effectively with a multi-generational workforce. Each generation has different preferences and views of work based on their experiences. The tips include getting everyone on the same page about expectations, using multiple communication avenues to accommodate different preferences, personalizing your approach for each employee, understanding value differences between generations, being aware of different motivating factors, asking questions instead of making assumptions, being willing to teach and learn from each other, and embracing differences among the generations. Effective communication and understanding among a diverse workforce can lead to collaboration, productivity and success for an organization.

1. 8TIPS
WITH 4 DIFFERENT GENERATIONS
in the modern workplace
®
TO COMMUNICATE

2. The workplace environment
is one that is continuously
evolving and changing, with
both challenges and triumphs.
Today’s workforce is currently
tackling challenges never before
experienced - 4 generations, all
working under the same roof.

3. Gone are the days where women and youth
weren't given jobs at the top. Now, whoever has
earned the spot and/or has the most education
and experience, rises to the top.
What a great opportunity we have in front of
us. Never before have we had so many differing
viewpoints contributing to the same cause. Think
of all the creative ideas they could dream up,
given the right setting and a little support!
We have come up with a few ideas to help you
not only keep peace in the workplace, but utilize
these generational differences
to your advantage.

4. Get Everyone On
The Same Page
When Baby Boomers were
entering the workforce, suits and
ties were worn everyday and
computers didn’t exist. Times
have changed a lot since then.
Not only do we have computers,
but we have smart phones
that allow us to communicate
from virtually anywhere, and
many companies have adopted
business casual as their attire.
The older generations may view
these changes as informal and,
sometimes disrespectful.
As their leader, it is important
for you to set the tone and
clearly outline the formality of
your workers.
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If everyone knows what is expected of them, there is less room for disagreement and
finger-pointing, and more room for collaboration and productivity.
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5. Use Multiple Communication AvenuesVeterans grew up during the time of rotary phones, while Millennials had their
own cell phone by the time they entered their teenage years.
Baby Boomers prefer face-to-face conversation, while
Generation Xers prefer to speak via email or text.
While you may be hard-pressed to find a rotary phone nowadays, you can
provide multiple communication options for your employees.
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You may want to consider using Social Media to communicate
with your millennial workers. Simple Steps to Create a Social
Media Policy for Your Workforce.
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6. personalize
your approach
One of your primary duties as
the facilities manager,
is to ensure your employees
have what they need, when they
need it.
One of the best ways
to ensure this gets done is to
get to know your team
as individuals.
Make an effort to discover what
works best for each member of
your team and adjust your plan
accordingly.
3
A happy employee = a productive employee = successful company
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7. understand value differences
Work ethic varies tremendously from generation to generation.
Veterans may view work as an obligation.
Baby Boomers often view it as an adventure.
Gen Xers have grown up viewing their jobs as challenges.
Millennials view it as a means to an end--you have to work to be able to
buy the things you want.
4
Understanding these differences and WHY they have come to the conclusion they have
about their profession will equip you with the tools you need in approaching each.
Since we are all products of our environment, none are incorrect, just simply very different.
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8. While members of the older generations are used to coming in and
getting the job done, no matter what, the youth entering the
workforce is often motivated by consistent praise and guidance.
Again, neither generation is right or wrong.
A healthy balance between each viewpoint is the best answer.
Always remember the power of praise, as it is a key motivator no
matter the person.
Be Aware Of Motivating Factors
5
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9. ask, never
assume
Miscommunication can cause dissension in the
ranks, especially within a group of diverse
individuals. Encourage your team to
communicate amongst each other.
Rather than assuming the worst about
their co-workers, they should converse
and ask questions.
6
Lead your team by example, breaking down the
typical stereotypes along the way.
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10. be willing to
teach, and
be taught
Regardless of how much you
have experienced or how much
schooling you have, there is
always more we can learn.
Today’s generation can take
some great lessons from older
generations. Such as the value of
face-to-face communication and
taking time to complete a project.
Conversely, today’s youth can
teach the Veterans and Baby
Boomers the value of technology
and how it creates a different (but
more efficient) work environment.
7
Always encourage growth within your team, as
everything we learn shapes us into the type of
individuals we are and the type of work we do.
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11. While it may be
tempting to bury
your head in the
sand regarding
the differences
within your
workforce, this
is never a
good idea.
Instead,
acknowledge
& embrace
them.
Use them
as tools and
encourage your
team to use
these variances
as a chance to
learn and grow.
You did, after all,
hire each for their
strengths and
what they have
to offer.
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embrace
the
differences
When your team sees you doing this, they
are much more likely to follow suit.
®
embrace
the
differences

12. There have been massive changes in our world
since the Veteran generation was born in the
1920s. These changes have led to marked
differences from generation to generation.
Whether you are conversing with a family
member, customer or employee, awareness and
understanding about these differences will set
you up for success. A great leader strives to
understand who their workforce is made up of,
with a willingness to learn along the way.
Support collaboration and communication
amongst your peers and productivity and
efficiency will shine.

13. BROUGHT TO YOU BY
share:
®
www.iofficecorp.com
Resources that will help you manage
a multi-generational workforce