Bridging Age Gap at Work

While the younger generation can be seen as unreliable and uninformed, they can bring a fresh perspective to the office when it comes to defining messaging and addressing challenges. Moreover, since they are typically more digitally savvy, they have a pulse on social media trends and can offer insights into what resonates with audiences. Meanwhile, the older generation offers vast experience and industry knowledge to guide younger coworkers through problem-solving and market changes. Both perspectives are important because new ideas that are supported by past experiences are brought to life.

Recognizing when you have a bias about someone is important so you can change your mindset about why you attach certain traits to that person. Bias can be harmful, as it can attribute false characteristics. This can be especially true for people of different ages or backgrounds. Reconsidering any assumptions that pop into your mind can help you break away from stereotypes and begin to understand why different generations are different. As each generation understands more, this will bring more acceptance of different thought processes and working styles.

Implementing a mentorship program or offering opportunities for younger employees to speak with older ones is a great way to close the age gap and create a more inclusive work environment. Creating this type of space allows different generations to have more informal conversations where they can share specific experiences and skills with each other. The older can guide their younger coworkers to learn about potential career paths or how to navigate tricky workplace situations. While the younger can help grow older coworkers’ views on social trends and how society is progressing. Both parties will benefit from these conversations and can develop a well-rounded professional relationship.

Nowadays, many programs offer workshops or seminars on workplace bias and how to overcome it. If you are not sure how to start conversations about generational differences, this can be an option, as a professional can guide the discussion and offer policy suggestions. Think of workshops as providing a guideline. Even more so, employees can feel more comfortable asking questions and be more open to hearing differing opinions when it is done in a structured environment.

Creating an inclusive and balanced workplace can be challenging as new generations enter the workforce. But these are opportunities to modernize the workplace and expand mindsets. Moreover, creating this environment makes your company more appealing to potential employees and lets current employees know you care about their well-being.