The multigenerational workforce: Benefits, challenges and best practices
Take a deep dive into the key challenges and advantages of managing a multigenerational workforce, with practical strategies for leveraging the diverse skills, knowledge, and experience of employees across all age groups.
Did you know projections suggest that 1 in 6 people will be aged 60 or over by 2030?
With people living longer and healthier lives, many are choosing to extend their careers beyond the traditional retirement age. This shift offers employers a valuable opportunity to harness the diverse skills and experiences of a multigenerational workforce.
Our latest research—based on insights from 4,000 UK jobseekers, 1,000 HR decision-makers, interviews with workers over 50, and an analysis of over 4.5 million job ads—reveals how age bias affects the recruitment process and offers strategies to overcome it, hire experienced talent and build age-diverse teams.
In this article, we’ll be examining on the benefits and challenges of managing a multigenerational workforce and providing actionable insights from our findings to help you leverage talent across all age groups.
What is a multigenerational workforce?
A multigenerational workforce is a workplace where employees from different age groups work together, combining diverse skills, ideas, and perspectives for enhanced collaboration and innovation.
This diversity brings together a variety of life experiences and professional backgrounds, creating a dynamic workplace setting. Employees from different age groups approach their work with distinct methods shaped by the cultural and technological contexts of their formative years, which promotes innovative thinking and enhances creativity within teams.
Key characteristics of a multigenerational workforce include:
- Diverse skill sets
- Varied perspectives
- Different communication styles
- Cultural adaptability
- Increased learning opportunities
Different generations in the workforce
In the current multigenerational landscape, employees span several age groups, each contributing unique characteristics and work preferences essential for cultivating a collaborative and inclusive environment.
These different generations are:
- Baby Boomers: Born between 1946 and 1964 after the Silent Generation, these workers are known for their strong work ethic and loyalty to employers. They bring extensive experience and institutional knowledge, making them invaluable mentors.
- Generation X: Born roughly between 1965 and 1980, Gen X is characterised by independence and adaptability. This generation often values autonomy in their work and advocates for a balanced approach to professional and personal life.
- Millennials: Born approximately between 1981 and 1996, Millennials are digital natives who thrive in collaborative environments. Proficient in technology, they tend to favour teamwork over individual tasks.
- Generation Z: Born from around 1997 to 2012, this generation of workers has grown up immersed in digital technology and social media, making them highly adept in these areas and at the forefront of generative AI in the workplace.
Unfortunately, older workers face significant challenges, particularly regarding age bias in the job market. Our research shows that among job seekers over the age of 50, one in three worry that their age may hinder their job prospects. Common stereotypes suggest that older employees are less adaptable to new technologies and more resistant to change, which can discourage them from applying for positions.
These misconceptions not only impact hiring decisions but also limit opportunities for organisations to benefit from the wealth of knowledge and skills that older workers bring.
Despite the advantages that a multigenerational workforce can offer, more than half of UK businesses have yet to implement effective strategies to enhance age diversity within their teams. This gap presents an opportunity for proactive employers to harness the skills of older workers.
Benefits of a multigenerational workforce
A multigenerational workforce brings a multitude of benefits to organisations, enhancing both workplace culture and overall performance. The blending of various age groups allows for the exchange of diverse ideas, experiences, and skills, ultimately leading to a more innovative and engaged workforce.
Let’s explore the specific benefits of a multigenerational workforce in more detail.
Delve into the considerable benefits your organisation can unlock by targeting an older talent pool during the hiring process.
1. Diverse perspectives and innovation
When employees from different generational backgrounds collaborate, they combine varied viewpoints and experiences, which can lead to creative problem-solving.
This fusion of ideas allows employers to approach challenges from multiple perspectives, generating fresh insights and inventive strategies that may not have otherwise emerged.
By valuing these different perspectives, organisations can foster an atmosphere where innovation thrives, driving greater success in an increasingly competitive market.
2. Knowledge sharing and mentorship
Older employees often possess invaluable knowledge and expertise gained over decades in the workforce.
By sharing their insights and experiences, they can guide younger colleagues through professional challenges and contribute to their development. Similarly, younger employees can introduce new technologies and modern approaches that help to keep organisations adaptable and relevant.
This reciprocal mentoring not only enhances individual growth but also strengthens team cohesion by encouraging collaboration and respect among employees of all ages.
3. Improved employee engagement and retention
Older workers tend to demonstrate higher loyalty to their employers, with our findings showing that only 55% of those over 60 are considering exploring new job offers.
This dedication not only contributes to organisational stability but also helps create a supportive work environment that values experience and commitment.
When employees feel appreciated and recognised for their contributions, they are more likely to remain with the organisation, fostering a sense of continuity and community that benefits everyone involved.
Challenges of managing a multigenerational workforce
Managing a multigenerational workforce presents several challenges that organisations must navigate to create a cohesive and productive environment.
These challenges often stem from the differences in communication styles, work expectations, and attitudes towards technology between various age groups. Some of the most common include:
- Communication barriers: Different generations often have distinct communication preferences, which can lead to misunderstandings. For instance, older employees may prefer face-to-face interactions and direct conversations, while younger colleagues might lean towards email or instant messaging. These differing styles can create confusion and hinder effective collaboration if not addressed.
- Conflicting work styles and expectations: Varying definitions of work-life balance can create friction among employees of different ages. Younger workers may prioritise remote work options to achieve balance, whereas older employees might emphasise the importance of traditional work hours and dedicated presence in the office. These differing expectations can lead to tensions and negatively impact team dynamics.
- Resistance to change and technology: Stereotypes about older workers often paint them as less adept with technology, suggesting they resist change. However, many older employees are committed to lifelong learning and adapting to new tools and processes. The challenge lies in breaking down these stereotypes and creating an environment where all employees feel supported in embracing technological advancements.
Learn how to combat age discrimination at work and benefit from a highly skilled, multigenerational workforce.
Best practices for managing a multigenerational workforce
Successfully managing a multigenerational workforce requires a proactive approach that addresses the unique needs and preferences of employees across different age groups.
Here are some best practices to consider when it comes to managing multiple generations in the workplace.
Tailored recruitment strategies
Creating inclusive job advertisements that resonate with all generations is vital for attracting a diverse talent pool.
Job descriptions should emphasise skills and experience rather than age, avoiding language that could be perceived as age-targeted. Consider using language that highlights the value of collaboration and the unique contributions that employees of all ages bring to the table. For example:
Additionally, actively promoting your organisation’s commitment to age diversity across various channels can help mitigate feelings of ageism. This can be done through:
- Recruitment campaigns
- Participation in industry events
- Engagement on social media platforms
This proactive approach is particularly important, with our research indicating that 27% of workers over 50 feel “old” compared to their peers, and a quarter refrain from applying for jobs due to percieved age disadvantages.
Creating an inclusive workplace culture
Fostering a workplace culture that values contributions from all age groups is essential to harnessing the potential of a multigenerational workforce.
Older workers can offer invaluable knowledge and experience, and many are skilled and willing to put in extra effort when needed. However, bias can prevent these workers from maximising their potential at work.
To address and overcome common biases and create a more inclusive culture, employers can look to:
- Implement regular training sessions that raise awareness of age-related stereotypes and encourage respect for diverse perspectives.
- Create forums or employee resource groups that focus on age diversity, allowing employees to share experiences and insights.
- Incorporate mentoring initiatives that promote intergenerational relationships, enhancing collaboration and understanding among team members.
Leveraging technology for collaboration
Implementing the right tools can facilitate communication and teamwork among different generations in the workplace.
Incorporating tech platforms that cater to various preferences can help ensure all employees can contribute effectively. Central to this is conducting training sessions designed to familiarise employees with these tools, focusing on their benefits in terms of both productivity and teamwork.
Additionally, utilising platforms that enable real-time feedback can foster engagement, particularly among younger generations more accustomed to digital communication. This approach can also help dispel stereotypes about older workers being less adaptable to technology, demonstrating their willingness to learn and adapt.
Flexible work arrangements
Flexible working arrangements are increasingly appealing to older employees, with our research showing that 51% of candidates over 60 prefer flexible working as an incentive for working past retirement age.
Given these findings, employers can look to manage older employees more effectively by offering a range of flexible working options, including:
- Job sharing: This arrangement allows two employees to share the responsibilities of a single full-time position, facilitating a better work-life balance for both individuals while ensuring that the role’s requirements are met.
- Project-based work: Offering project-based work allows employees to focus on specific assignments for a defined period, contributing their skills and expertise without the constraints of traditional roles.
While enhanced flexibility fosters loyalty, employers should also ensure that older employees, who prioritise interesting job content (96%) and impactful work (92%), continue to be assigned challenging and important tasks, regardless of their schedule.
Continuous learning and development programmes
Providing organisational support for continuous professional development is crucial for engaging and managing employees from all age brackets.
In a multigenerational workplace, employers should take into account differing goals and learning objectives when establishing training programmes. For example, younger employees may seek fast-paced learning opportunities that support their future career ambitions, while workers from older generations may appreciate skills development that enriches their current roles.
Continuous learning not only empowers employees but also shows an employer’s commitment to their workforce, boosting morale, loyalty and retention.
Understanding communication preferences
Adapting communication styles to accommodate different generational preferences is key to enhancing collaboration.
Employers should foster open dialogue around preferred communication methods. Regular surveys can help gather feedback on communication preferences, enabling continuous adaptation of strategies that accommodate multiple generations. For example, older employees may prefer face-to-face meetings, while younger staff may be more accustomed to instant messaging.
Tailoring communication to different generational preferences helps minimise misunderstandings, increase engagement, and create a more inclusive environment where all employees’ voices are heard and valued.
Cross-generational mentorship programmes
Establishing successful mentorship initiatives can help to bridge generational gaps and enrich team dynamics in a multigenerational working environment.
Pairing young Gen Z professionals with seasoned colleagues, such as those from the Baby Boomer generation, enables knowledge exchange. This allows younger employees to learn from the experience of older colleagues while offering fresh perspectives themselves.
Done well, a workplace mentorship programme can help to:
- Build mutual respect
- Foster camaraderie
- Improve collaboration
Once the programme is established, highlighting success stories can encourage broader participation. To further enhance the programme, consider aligning it with projects or initiatives that reflect both individual and organisational goals.
Explore tips and practical advice for appealing to and retaining workers over 50 with a diverse range of skills and experiences.
Building a culture of inclusivity for all ages
Embracing a multigenerational workforce is essential in a diverse workplace shaped by shifting demographics and, according to the Centre for Ageing Better, could boost the UK economy by as much as £9 billion a year. Beyond this, recognising the unique contributions of each age group can also foster a collaborative environment that promotes creativity, innovation, and productivity,
Cultivating a culture that celebrates age diversity not only enhances employee satisfaction and retention but also drives long-term organisational success. By embracing the best practices outlined above, employers can harness the full potential of a multigenerational workforce, resulting in a more resilient and adaptable organisation that thrives in the rapidly evolving world of work.
Unlock the full insights from The Age Advantage: Overcoming Age Bias to Hire Experienced Talent
Download the full report to uncover more strategies and advice on leveraging the experience of older workers in an increasingly dynamic landscape.