The modern workplace has become a dynamic environment where different generations work side by side. Generation X, Y and Z each bring unique perspectives and expectations when it comes to work. And from this combination of employees, you naturally want to get the most out of them. How do you create the best digital workplace for each generation that allows them to collaborate optimally and reinforce each other? Let’s discover the differences between these generations and how to create an environment where everyone thrives.
Who are generation X, Y and Z?
Most employees today are generation X, Y or Z. They can reinforce each other exceptionally well provided you provide the right digital work environment for it. We first look at what exactly makes the generations Generation X, Y or Z.
Generation X
They were born between 1965 and 1980. Over the years, they have accumulated experience in traditional work environments. They are used to structured hierarchies and are looking for a better work-life balance. For them, a digital workplace is important that offers flexible working hours, as well as streamlined communication tools and access to knowledge resources to leverage their expertise. Communicating they do mainly through telephony, e-mail, Facebook and Whatsapp. Important core values for this group include: independence, individualism, pragmatic and authentic.
Generation Y (Millennials)
Generation Y was born between 1981 and 1996. Words like technology and collaboration are apt for them. In fact, they are known for their technological skills and their need for a sense of engagement and meaning in their work. Millennials want a digital workplace that allows them to use various technological tools and platforms to communicate and collaborate efficiently. They value flexibility and autonomy in their work and expect opportunities for personal and professional development. This group of people communicates through a variety of channels such as email, Facebook, Whatsapp, Instagram, LinkedIn and telephony. Although telephony is only for complex problems and questions.
Generation Z
They were born between 1997 and 2012 and are currently high school students, college students or entry-level workers. Generation Z has grown up in a world full of technology and diversity including smartphones, social media and being constantly connected. For them, a digital workplace that leverages emerging technologies and digital communication channels is essential. They value inclusion and diversity in their work environment and want to have a voice in decision-making processes. The digital workplace should provide a sense of connection and community. Gen Z mainly communicates with images, emoticons Gifs, short videos and livestreaming and they are mainly reached through Whatsapp, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and web-based chat service.
Strengthening collaboration between generations
Although each generation has different needs and preferences, they can reinforce and complement each other with the right digital workplace. Generation X can share their experience and expertise with the younger generations while being open to new technologies and ways of working. Millennials can share their technological knowledge and bring a fresh perspective to processes and innovations. Generation Z, in turn, can bring new perspectives and promote diversity.
5 tips on how to create the best digital workplace
But to make sure these generations can reinforce each other in the workplace, you need to make sure the digital workplace is set up correctly for them. We give you 5 tips on how to create it for them.
- Flexibility – Provide flexible work options, such as hybrid working and flexible working hours, to meet the needs of Generation X and Millennials. Consider Microsoft Teams integration that allows you to make and receive calls to and from an external number from wherever you are working. It is also possible to use your Teams status to let you know if you are available for an incoming call. For example, if the status is set to “do not disturb,” you will also not receive a call and the caller will automatically transfer to someone who is set to “available.
- Technological tools – Offer a wide range of technological tools and platforms that are intuitive and user-friendly to meet the needs of Generation Y and Z. For example, consider an intranet that can be used on both desktop and smartphone. This allows everyone to decide how they interact with the organization and each other.
- Collaboration – Encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing using digital collaboration platforms and communication tools. For example, knowledge sharing with a proprietary knowledge base where employees can provide themselves with information by searching independently. Incidentally, a knowledge base is ideal for faster onboarding and induction of new employees. Cooperation can be stimulated and set up more efficiently with, for example, our Process Assistant in which questions and tasks are sent to the right people at the right time.
- Development- Provide opportunities for personal and professional development, such as online courses and mentoring programs. For example, by setting up a platform for this with a variety of courses.
- Diversity and inclusion – Create an inclusive culture where diversity is valued and where everyone feels heard and valued. Again, you create this for example with the intranet where everyone has the opportunity to share things with each other and the organization.
The digital workplace for generation X, Y and Z
Creating the best digital workplace for Generation X, Y and Z requires paying attention to their unique needs and harnessing the power of their diverse perspectives. By embracing flexibility, technology, collaboration, development and diversity, you create an environment in which all generations thrive. A digital workplace that fosters collaboration and enables everyone to succeed together.
At Pegamento, we’d love to help you shape this digital workplace. We call that WorkplaceX: using the right components and technology to create the digital workplace that makes all contact flows easy and smart. With this, we enable employees to collaborate optimally with customers, colleagues, suppliers, machines and the organization. With the goal that every employee can provide unparalleled customer service. Feel free to contact us to spar about this without any obligation.
