Generational gaps are unavoidable – let's learn to cooperate

The generational divide in the modern workplace is as large as it’s ever been. Unsurprisingly, this can cause friction. People, both old and young, must learn to work in harmony if efficiency is to be maintained.

Currently, there are workplaces with five generations working in tandem. This massive generational divide is sure to bring challenges.

These themes are common, too. The Digital Etiquette: Mind the Generational Gap study by The Adaptavist Group revealed that 43 per cent of Australian companies employ three or more generations.

The varied perspectives are causing friction in the workplace. Social researcher Claire Madden noted that collaboration is crucial, and overcoming these divides should be on everyone’s mind.

"Gen Z workers place a high priority on relationships and value approachable leaders. Sure, they want the flexibility to work remotely, but they also want opportunities to build those important relationships that will help them as they progress their careers,” explained Madden.

“I’m a big advocate for cross-generational mentoring because different generations have much to offer one another. This Mind the Generational Gap research reveals the opportunity for workers to build on one another’s strengths. This can be a strategic advantage for the organisation, but such rapport must be encouraged and supported with technology and tools, and with opportunities for face-to-face collaboration.”

The digital divide is a major cause for disagreement. 92 per cent of Australian work teams reported experiencing conflict over digital tools. Sixty-three per cent said these disagreements negatively affect productivity.

Meanwhile, confusion is common, with 42 per cent misinterpreting context due to digital communication, 35 per cent reporting mismatched response times, and 33 per cent confused over digital expressions, such as emojis.

There are disagreements with work styles due to this divide, as half of the workers aged 50 and over are annoyed by younger workers' lack of traditional tools, such as pens. Similarly, 53 per cent of Gen Z believe older workers slow down productivity with outdated processes, and 63 per cent noted more senior workers struggle with technology.

AI is perhaps the biggest digital talking point at the moment and unsurprisingly has caused a generational divide. One-third of all workers cite AI as their most used tool. However, when split generationally, Gen Z sits at 39 per cent, and over 50s at 13 per cent.

Seventy per cent of respondents agreed that this tech could widen the generational divide, and 73 per cent believe it may accelerate Gen Z's workplace ascendancy.

"In a multi-generational workplace, you’re working within the same organisational constructs, contributing to the same KPIs, sharing the same digital toolboxes. This should motivate bridging generational gaps and finding common ground. This research indicates that a third of respondents find video meetings to be a difficult medium for multi-generational teams,” said Madden.

“We know that Gen Z feels more natural communicating through screens in their personal and social lives, though they find phone calls stressful, and they use video differently than it’s used in work situations. I’d advocate for such strengths and differences to be harnessed. Older colleagues can help younger generations develop corporate communication skills, whilst the younger generations who are eager adopters of new technology tools can bring a fresh perspective for older gens on new ways of working, communicating and collaborating.”

Despite the clear differences between these generations, a prevailing desire for cooperation was highlighted in the study. Eighty-two per cent of respondents opposed stereotypes such as the lazy Millennial and the bossy Baby Boomer. Further, 38 per cent believe these labels lead to damaging consequences, and 36 per cent fear potential exclusion from being categorised by age.

Fostering collaboration and embracing differences should be the goal for workers of any age.

Madden concluded: "Different generations were raised in different social contexts. Generational groupings can be useful in providing an understanding of how social, technological and global events may have influenced the worldview of different cohorts. However, getting to know an individual’s capabilities and contribution means going beyond superficial, sweeping assumptions that cause communication barriers and can add tension in the workplace. Humans need to connect."