English
Bahasa Indonesia
In the world of work, the existence of a team has a very important role for the company. That is why it is difficult for every employee to have capable teamwork. However, building teamwork at work is easy. Many factors make this difficult to do, one of which is the generation gap or generation creation. So, what is the generation gap?
The generation gap is a problem that is quite common in the professional realm, including in the workplace. This problem can have some bad effects that make teamwork decrease, such as miscommunication or misunderstanding between employees.
This impact may sound trivial, but if left unchecked, it will of course result in bigger problems and can disrupt the quality of employee work.
To minimize the generation gap in the workplace, the first thing to do is to know in advance what the generation gap is and the causes behind it.
Read full also: Beware of Common Gender Discrimination in the Workplace
What is the Generation Gap in the Workplace?
As previously stated by Algobash, the generation gap is a fairly common problem. This problem can have some serious impacts that can affect the quality of work and relationships between employees.
So, what is the generation gap actually?
The generation gap is a generational difference that creates a relationship gap between employees who have different generational backgrounds. This difference raises several problems such as conflict and miscommunication.
Quoted from Very Well Family, according to William Safire, the generation gap is poor communication between the old and young generations or the time difference that causes cultural differences between people, so that it allows them to build their character.
Causes of the Generation Gap at Work
Generally, conflicts that occur between generations revolve around differences in behavior, attitudes, principles, experiences, and other traits of each generation brought into the workplace.
Various reasons cause the generation gap in the workplace to occur. In a study, it was stated that the cause of the generation gap in the workplace is because each generation grows up with different job values and perspectives. Where each generation has its differences in actions, beliefs, and views.
Read full also: How to Build a Great Tech Team
The Difference of Each Generation
The best way to prevent a generation gap in the workplace is to understand each generation of employees in your company.
Currently, there are at least five different generations who have entered the workforce or even some of them are rarely involved because many are starting to retire. These generations are:
- Traditionalists (Born in 1928-1945)
- Baby boomers (Born in 1946-1964)
- Generation X (Born in 1965-1980)
- Generation Y or millennials (Born in 1981-1996)
- Generation Z (Born in 1997-2015)
Each generation certainly has its characteristics that distinguish one another. Quoting from the Get Smarter page, the following are some of the advantages and disadvantages characteristic of each generation in the workplace:
1. Baby Boomer
Advantages:
Baby boomers are known as a generation of workaholics and good team players. They have very high loyalty and role in their role in the workplace compared to other generations. Many also think that baby boomers are good mentors to their juniors or colleagues in the company.
Disadvantage:
Baby boomers tend to be reluctant to adopt change and keep up with developments. they are also the least tech-savvy generation. In addition, baby boomers are also very competitive. so they are very hungry for recognition or awards so that their work performance will increase.
2. Generation X
Advantages:
Based on research conducted by Insider, 70% of organizations agree that Generation X is the best leader or manager compared to other generations. They also have a good work-life balance. In addition, generation X is also considered to have greatly contributed to increasing the company’s revenue.
Disadvantage:
Many Generation X tend to disagree with the senior management in their company. Generation X will also be more open to opposing something if they don’t agree with the company’s management policies.
Read full also: Employee Turnover Introduction: What Are the Causes and Impacts?
3. Generation Y or Millenials
Advantages:
Generation Y or millennials are very independent workers compared to other generations. They are also very concerned with ethics and responsibilities in the workplace. This makes them accustomed to working and seeking information on their own without having to be led.
Weakness:
Generation Y or Millennials are very independent so they are not very interested in teamwork. They also have a less work ethic compared to other generations. In addition, as quoted from Forbes, Millennials tend to be impatient with their career development. Where 40% of millennial employees choose to leave their jobs if there is no progress.
4. Generation Z
Advantages:
Generation Y is a generation that is very competent in mastering technological developments compared to others. They can also easily adapt to developments or changes quickly. In addition, Generation Z is also very competitive, has an entrepreneurial mentality, and can multitask in doing work.
Weakness:
Generation Z is considered to prefer realistic views over idealists such as millennials. They also rely heavily on technology to solve a problem.
That’s the information about what the generation gap is, starting from the understanding, causes, and characteristics of each generation. Every company must have many employees with different backgrounds and generations. That is why an HR person must be able to understand the nature and characteristics of each generation.
Read full also: Reasons Why Your Organization Should Start Recruiting Gen-Z