2 Concepts That Engage All Generations
There is a lot of chatter about workforce engagement. Adding to that, there is the chatter about generations, bad managers, and hiring the right people. What core concepts engage all generations?
Most organizations will spend a great deal of money on productivity tools. They make investments in technology, floor plans, and even furniture and fixtures. All hoping that there will be a good ROI (Return on Investment).
Do these make a difference? Sure, but what if the results are still coming up a little short? Unfortunately, if there is blame being passed around it normally circles back to hiring practices. Hiring the right people is important but is there more to it than that?
Smart organizations are also making investments in developing the right culture.
Engage All Generations
The best organizations focus on commonalities, not differences. There are so many elements connected with organizational culture it is hard to narrow it down to a few simple things, but from my experiences there are two that are critically important.
- Purpose. Organizations must focus on understanding their sense of purpose. Often when I ask people about purpose they will make a connection with money or financial responsibility. Fundamentally most formal organizations won’t survive without money but that is not the driving point here. The point is connecting every employee with how their job supports the mission of the organization.
- Respect. Ask ten people about respect and probably at least seven or eight will tell you that respect is earned. Respect is a commonality that all generations share. The most important thing to keep in mind is that respect is defined differently by everyone. Conscious efforts to create a respectful workplace will go a long way with employee engagement.
Most organizations connect their success with products, services, and financial responsibility. All of those are important.
Most organizations also connect the concept of technology and tools with productivity, which is also very important.
Don’t forget about culture.
All About Culture
When an organization wants to engage all generations, they need to look closely at their culture.
Keep in mind, your organizational culture is not what you say it is. It is what your workforce feels that it is.
– DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and corporate trainer that specializes in helping businesses and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is a four-time author and some of his work includes, Forgotten Respect, Navigating A Multigenerational Workforce and Pivot and Accelerate, The Next Move Is Yours! Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
