Unlocking the Power of a Multigenerational Workforce
The modern workplace is undergoing a revolution. No longer dominated by a single generation, our offices and teams now hum with the energy and experience of a multigenerational workforce. From tech-savvy Gen Z to seasoned Baby Boomers, this rich tapestry of backgrounds, perspectives, and talents presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses. But how can we harness the power of this diversity and ensure everyone feels valued and engaged?
Understanding Ageism: A Barrier to Progress
Ageism, like other forms of discrimination, has a detrimental impact on individuals and businesses alike. Shockingly, as many as 1 in 3 people have experienced age prejudice and according to the EHRC, people of all ages say that they experience ageism more than any other form of discrimination.
Sadly, ageism is rife in the workplace. It can be seen in everything from overlooking qualified candidates to dismissing valuable ideas simply because of someone's age. The Centre for Better Aging found that over a quarter (27%) of workers have been put off jobs since turning 50 as they sound like they’re aimed at younger candidates; almost a third (32%) believe they have been turned down for a job because of their age; nearly one in five (17%) have or considered hiding their age in applying for a job since turning 50; and two fifths think their age would disadvantage them in applying for a job.
But it isn’t just older workers who are impacted by ageism in the workplace. Young people are often told they are too immature or apathetic to have their opinions and ideas heard. Research by Glassdoor found that workers aged 18-34 were more likely (52%) to have witnessed or experienced ageism at work than their older counterparts (39% aged 55+). In fact, one study found that more than three-quarters of young people experienced some form of ageism at least once in a 4 week period, and more than one-quarter of respondents experienced ageism (on average) at least once per week. Personnel Today have a great blog summarising some high profile cases of age discrimination against young people, including claims relating to salary, inappropriate language and even posting specific job requirements during recruitment processes.
Before we can explore how to unlock the power of a multigenerational workforce, we need to fully understand how expectations and motivations vary across the different age groups.
