The Workplace Wellness Collective: Workplace Leadership Hour Episode 1
In an increasingly diverse workplace, understanding and bridging generational gaps is crucial for fostering a positive and supportive environment. The Workplace Wellness Collective proudly presents the first episode of the Workplace Leadership Hour: Bridging Generational Gaps. This insightful episode, co-hosted by Sumana Jeddy, Michele Thomson, and Felipe CofiƱo, dives deep into strategies, solutions, and research that can help different generations collaborate effectively. Here's a summary of the key takeaways from this engaging discussion.
Sumana Jeddy
CEO of The Workplace Wellness Collective and Jeddy Wellness
Key Insights:
Creating a Productive Environment
Sumana emphasizes the importance of establishing a workplace grounded in shared principles. This foundation fosters productivity and mutual respect across generations.
Leadership and Values
Mutual Understanding
Readiness for Change
Research Highlights to Bridge Generational Gaps:
Managing Multiple Generations: Scenarios From the Workplace by Joyce A. Hahn, PhD, APRN-CNS, NEA-BC.
The Acorn Principles: These five principles aim to create a harmonious work environment accommodating all generations:
Accommodate Employee Differences: Recognize generational needs and unique preferences.
Create Workplace Choices: Allow the workplace to influence tasks to benefit both customers and employees.
Operate from a Sophisticated Management Style: Share the big picture, including specific goals and measures, and then give employees the freedom to do their work.
Respect Competence and Initiative: Expect the best from all employees and treat everyone as valuable contributors.
Nourish Retention: Prioritize keeping staff as much as gaining and retaining customers.
Michele Thomson
Leadership and Workplace Culture Specialist
Key Insights:
Historical Workforce Diversity
For the first time in history, five generations are working together. Michele highlights the significance of recognizing and valuing this diversity.
Ageism from Both Sides
Strengths-Based Approach
Strategies to Bridge the Generational Gap
Core Values: Identify and practice your core values in behaviors and interactions.
Communication: Learn and implement diverse communication styles, encouraging open dialogue to promote growth and positive change.
Conflicting Work Preferences: Recognize different generational needs to create a culture of mutual respect and understanding.
Stereotyping and Bias: Challenge stereotypes by acknowledging and embracing implicit bias, implementing equity and diversity training to minimize bias.
Felipe CofiƱo
HR Executive| Top HR Voice Linkedin
Ā Key Insights:
Compassion Over Judgment
Felipe stresses the importance of learning from one another without judgement. Ask questions, seek help, and be open-minded to change.
Open Mindset
Technological Adaptation:
Ideas for Leaders When Bridging the Gap (FelipesFive)
Prioritize Mental Health and Well-Being: Focus on the mental health and well-being of employees.
Preferred Communication Styles: Find and respect preferred communication styles.
Work-Life Balance and Harmony: Adapt to help employees improve their work-life balance.
Professional Development/Technology Adaptation: Incorporate various learning styles preferred by different generations, such as LinkedIn Learning, asynchronous webinars, etc.
Open Mindset: Encourage a continuous learning and teaching environment.
Ready to Transform Your Leadership Approach?
Take the next step in bridging generational gaps and fostering a more inclusive workplace. Here's how you can get started:
Reflect on Your Leadership Style:
How are you currently addressing generational differences? What can you improve?
Are you implementing communication styles that cater towards your employees' ages?
How are you learning about today's technological advancements to better support the
new generation of learning?
Implement Key Strategies: Start practising the principles and strategies discussed in this episode to create a more supportive environment for all generations.
Join Our Next Episode: Donāt miss out on further insights! Tune in on Wednesday, July 24, at 10 am MST / 12 pm EST for actionable tips to enhance your leadership skills.
Stay Connected: Follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our newsletter for ongoing support and resources tailored to leaders like you.
Call to Action: Embrace diversity in age and experience. Learn from each other, respect
differences, and collaborate to build a stronger, more inclusive workplace.
Written by Allison Giammona and Reviewed by Sumana Jeddy
Stay connected with The Workplace Wellness Collective for more resources and discussions on creating a healthier, more inclusive workplace.
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