Belgium: Employees prefer working with a diverse age group, says Hays

Generations each have their own ambitions, needs, preferences and values. "A team of colleagues of different ages works in a stimulating way, colleagues inspire each other, new ideas have a positive effect on the bottom line, and it is important to manage the different age groups. We do not want generational conflicts," says Robby Vanuxem, Managing Director of Hays.

Therefore, Hays has shared four tips  on how, as a manager, you can successfully manage a team full of generational differences:

1. Personal approach

Offer an appropriate and personalized treatment. Employees often have to be content with a standard approach. When you, as a manager, establish a good relationship with your employee, you make a difference. Make sure you know what motivates them, what scares them or makes them happy. You can count on their commitment and avoid possible misunderstandings.

2. Be open minded and positive

Avoid stereotypes. Lazy and spoiled Millennials? Gen Z stubborn? Not at all. Even if you think too much in terms of generations, this has a negative effect on your HR policy. Try to focus on the positive characteristics of your colleagues.

3. Feedback is a gift

Do not be fooled by rumors that older employees do not support feedback. Or that young people just need constant confirmation. Feedback can take many forms. And people of all generations seem to need it. Everyone wants to know if he or she has a good performance and how he or she can flourish professionally. In this way, you also create mutual respect.

4. Identify lifestyles and ambitions

Respect the different ways of life and understand each stage of life. Young employees or school leavers often still have a lot of ambition. New experiences and opportunities motivate them. People in their thirties and forties often have children and a loan that needs to be repaid. They aspire more for a stable income. Employees at the end of their career are less interested in training or continuing education than in interesting professional content and a good balance between work and private life. By sympathizing with their world, you get to know them better and manage them better. Promote a good balance between work and personal life.

Join us in Miami Beach, June 5-7 for the Global Online Marketplaces Summit.