Name: The Remix
Author: Lindsey Pollak

What’s in it for me? A guide to succeeding in a multigenerational workplace.

Generational differences are nothing new. From family feuds to clashes about political values, generational gaps have been responsible for a multitude of disputes throughout history.

Today, however, we are witnessing another kind of generational shift – and it’s taking place at work. In a modern workplace you’ll find baby boomers, Generation X, millennials, and Generation Z all actively working for the same company. You may even find individuals from the Silent Generation.

But here’s the thing: while businesses have increasingly begun to embrace a multigenerational blend of employees, they still struggle to cater to all these different age groups. Because the truth is, every generation carries its own work expectations and expresses these expectations differently. While some businesses are moving further into a digital-first approach that appeals to millennials, this can cause baby boomers and Gen Xers to no longer feel acknowledged.

So, how can employers apply an organizational change that caters to the working needs of all generations?

That's what we'll explore in this Blink to The Remix, by Lindsey Pollak. We'll illustrate the importance of creating and maintaining a multigenerational workspace that's inclusive to all. And we’ll cover the best strategies for recruiting and supporting a multigenerational workplace – while also addressing the needs of employees at an individual level.

Accepting multigenerational differences

The first step to leading and succeeding in a multigenerational workplace is to accept that five different working generations are present today: baby boomers, Generation X, millennials, Gen Z, and the Silent Generation.

So, the first step in creating a successful multigenerational workplace is analyzing which generations among employees are over- or underrepresented. This can act as a key indicator for how you implement new strategies – like a digital-first approach, for example. Maybe you have younger generations team up with older ones for digital training sessions. Maybe you have the older generations then lead another session on client relations. Everyone should play to their strengths and assist one another.

Understanding different generational expectations and skills in the workplace can help companies maintain strong relationships with their employees, encourage personal and professional growth, and improve leadership. Never expect that one strategy will apply to all employees.

Every generation has a different way of thinking, learning, and leading. These differences are what makes each generation unique – and businesses need to embrace that. It’s important to stop shaming other generations and to start empathizing with them. We all have our own ways of doing things, and it takes an open understanding of those differences to generate a healthy workspace.

The idea here is simple: rather than changing what works, we should learn to adapt and add. Just because different generations do things differently doesn’t mean they have to compete in a hostile work environment. The reality is, we shouldn’t feel so detached from one another.

As we apply more multigenerational fundamentals to the workplace, we can move toward a nongenerational workplace that embraces a timeless approach both to business strategy and employee and leadership growth.

People management is a must

If businesses want to transition toward a nongenerational workplace that’s tailored to all generations, they should consider Pollak’s “People Management Remix.”

This tactic focuses on helping individuals of all generations acknowledge where their leadership skills need improvement – and how improved management can drastically elevate an individual’s career.

Cross-generational communication

Do you ever feel dissociated from other generations on social media? If so, it’s probably because of communication – a lot of generational differences are based on communication issues. In fact, 81 percent of today’s employees say that communication styles are the biggest difference between generations in the workplace.

For example, older generations are used to a face-to-face and involved communication style, while younger generations prefer texting and keeping things short and sweet. This can be difficult to manage in a multigenerational workplace where individuals with unique experiences are forced to come together.

Training and mentoring

It’s important to remember that working and living in a multigenerational world is a blessing.

Have you ever experienced an older person who’s offered you unsolicited advice? While you didn’t ask for it, it can often be very heartfelt. Any person from an older generation who offers you this unsolicited advice probably means well. They have plenty of experience and want to help you succeed as you navigate through life.

Key ideas in The Remix

What is The Remix about?

The Remix (2019) illustrates the importance of creating and maintaining a multigenerational workspace that is inclusive to all. Combining recent data, independent research, and case studies from Fortune 500 companies, it shows teams how to embrace diverse working styles and turn potential clashes into opportunities.