Generational tension at work- How technology can help?

The workplace currently is populated by different generational cohorts—Baby Boomers, Gen-X, Millennials, and Gen-Z.

Recently a lot has been discussed on how the new generation feels and works differently from the older generation. The newer generation is feeling disengaged at work and the older generation feels de-valued. Purpose, Meaning, Fulfilment, Respect, Work-Life Balance, Aspirations, etc. are at cross-roads. 

However, a more complex and more significant dispute that organizations face is generational tension at work. Picture this scene-You have a fresh graduate working alongside a 50-year-old work colleague on the same project. These two employees work for the same employer but have very different expectations and views on the project and of the workplace.

Where there is diversity, there is the potential for adversity, but enabling a multi-generational workforce with technology can pull employees together instead of pushing them apart.

Here are some technologies which can help integrate multi-generation workforce:

Collaborative tools

Collaboration plays a critical role in amplifying a business' productivity- from increasing productivity to developing new products. A team that collaborates is at the heart of a successful company. Organizations today constitutes four generations, so it is no surprise that organizations are facing challenges when it comes to intergenerational collaboration. 

However, unifying the workforce has become imperative because, with the retiring workforce, companies are simultaneously facing the need to train, motivate, and retain younger generation.

Collaboration tools often allows instant messaging, file sharing, and real-time contribution to projects and editing documents. Uniting a workforce under one platform, for all necessary forms of communication, is one way to encourage group collaboration. Such tools not only improve collaboration but increases efficiency and effectiveness of the projects.

Mobile Apps: 

Younger workers expect to be supplied with tools for mobility. Millennial workers value flexible schedules, and if Baby Boomers are going to reach them effectively, they should also learn  to be able to work with them on a remote basis. At the same time, it is important to facilitate continuous face-to-face meetings to help build rapport.

Platforms compatible with mobile devices yield faster communication among the intergenerational workforce. Companies can promote this by ensuring they choose platforms and programs that create a similar experience across devices, so workers remain productive no matter what device they're working on.

AI-based mentoring technology:

Mentoring has long been recognized as an effective and engaging means to train and guide new individuals at work. Recently many HR Tech companies have launched Mentorship technologies applying Artificial Intelligence. 

AI offers internal mentor-mentee match recommendations. Once the mentorship initiative has been launched, anyone interested in having a mentor or serving as a mentor downloads the app and answers a few questions. For those seeking to be a mentee, those questions revolve around their goals, while potential mentors answer questions about their strengths. Additionally, AI provides ongoing resources and reminders, frequently nudging mentors and mentees to have high-quality conversations.

Want to know more about managing a multi-generational workforce? Register at People Matters' Virtual Conference- Talent Tech Evolve and catch our speakers-Fabi Carino, Country Head-HR, Dentsu Aegis Network-Asia Pacific, and Bambang Yapri, Human Capital Director at PT. Samora Usaha Makmur, addressing how technology can help to manage the multi-generational workforce.