The population of the workforce (Multigenerational Healthcare Workforce) is more diverse than it has ever been before. Organizational leaders and great companies know that this diversity is valuable and strive to ensure that all members of the organization are welcome and encouraged to contribute their ideas based on their backgrounds. 

Due to people having to stay longer in active working years, as opposed to previous generations, there are more generations in the work force at the same time than ever before. 

It is possible that a manager can be managing a team of people from the recent college graduate generation to the generation that is already close to retirement age in the current workplace setting (Multigenerational Healthcare Workforce). 

The core age demographics in the current workforce include (Multigenerational Healthcare Workforce)

Baby Boomers

This group is characterized by individuals born between 1946 and 1964, and they are aged between 60 and 78 years old This group of employees is hardworking but much more assertive, focused, and obedient. 

They are seen to have a conventional attitude towards the accomplishment of projects and embrace teamwork. 

Gen X

This generation should be between the ages of 48-59 years old and should be more inclined to thinking for their selves. They are always open to partnerships but sometimes they need time for individual reflection and analysis. 

They have come to embrace technology in their later years and thus, are not inherently ‘tech-savvy’ but can surf the internet and can efficiently use computer applications like Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. 

These are self-directed by factors such as flexible working hours, employment benefits and training that assist them to gain a rise in rank and pay as they are approaching the retirement age. 

Millennials

This age group was born between 1977 to 1995; their age is between 29 and 47 years old. They grew up in the early stages of the technology revolution, and thus, are more comfortable using tools to get things done. 

In the workplace (Multigenerational Healthcare Workforce), they appreciate acknowledgement and appreciation of their efforts. They are a working generation, but not as conservative as the previous generations of the society. 

They appreciate the freedom and the creativity they are afforded in the ways and means they use to accomplish tasks. 

Gen Z

This generation includes people who were born in 1996 or later, up to the age of 28 years old This is the most diverse, open-minded generation that is comfortable using technology. 

They are a generation that was born with technology in their hands as smartphones and social media provided them with the world at their disposal. 

They are driven by the desire to learn and grow and the desire to change the world for the better. They do like to have flexible work environment is attractive to them they’ll get the job done, but like to have freedom in the “how. 

The successful strategies for these companies are knowledge about the management style preferred by the employee, what drives him and how they can reach out to him to foster a good rapport. 

Managers have to work with people who may have different perspectives, skills, and inclinations from them, and they should be prepared for such circumstances. 

Here are some tips on how to deal with a multi-generational team

Respect 

There must be a positive atmosphere and climate within the organization that encourages employees to engage in teamwork and fosters a sense of value for their work. 

While one person may be challenged in terms of accepting new technology in the workplace (Multigenerational Healthcare Workforce), there may be other aspects in which they excel. Make sure to have appreciation and reward for any favourable intervention. 

Motivation 

What motivates an employee to ‘show-up’ and feel that he or she wants to be part of the organization? Quite unexpectedly, the monetary factor is not a driving force as one would expect. 

While a Millennial-age employee might prefer a more flexible schedule, or the ability to take days off to spend time with friends or young children, a Baby Boomer employee is going to be motivated more by job security, and things such as retirement plans, health insurance, etc. 

Encourage Information Sharing 

Encourage a climate of safety where learning is encouraged and information is shared. It is evident that Baby Boomers have many years of work experience compared to Gen Z employees who are more experienced in the use of technology. 

These groups should be encouraged to teach each other as this can be very useful for the groups and the organization as a whole as well as being very beneficial for morale as the employees feel they are important. 

Be Adaptable 

Managers who have a team with a diverse group of people have the task of adapting to the best way that they can manage the employees as well as providing them with resources that will suit them. 

Consider which style or tools may be favoured by the different stakeholders and incorporate where appropriate. Determine which work arrangements for setting, technology and schedules provide the flexibility necessary for employees to manage their workloads. 

Build Relationships 

The use of generalizations should be employed in a very limited manner in an attempt to gain some initial understanding of the composition and needs of an employee group. 

The fact of a demographic should not result in categorizing all people as such but rather a manager should actively work to foster and develop relationships where the demographic is not seen as a group. 

There are numerous advantages that can be derived by organizations when they adopt and incorporate generational diversity. 

It is possible to achieve high business performance when employees with tenured positions who have historical data and institutional knowledge work with new employees who are focused on technology and have just entered the company.

Conclusion 

The importance of managing a healthcare workforce (Multigenerational Healthcare Workforce) is due to the fact that different generations have different skills and demands that should be taken into consideration. 

Healthcare organizations can help to build a positive and effective environment by promoting communication, telecommuting, training, and teamwork. Valuing the differences and respecting the diverse background fosters a better understanding and improves the team work. 

The positive effects of these best practices include improved job satisfaction, enhanced patient outcomes as well as a healthy workplace environment (Multigenerational Healthcare Workforce) where all generations feel encouraged to offer their share.