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How To Encourage Teamwork In A Multigenerational Office

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Forbes Nonprofit Council


It's not uncommon nowadays to find employees spanning three (or sometimes four) different generations all working in the same office. While each age group has its own preferences, attitudes and work styles, it's important for companies to unify their teams and create a shared culture that all employees can relate to.

We asked members of the Forbes Nonprofit Council to each share one way that managers of a multigenerational workforce can optimize their organization's teamwork.

Clockwise from top left: Gloria Horsley, Magdalena Mook, Kevin Xu, Bruce Maj Pelz, Peggy Smith.

Photos courtesy of the individual members.

1. Use Collaborative Technology 

We use collaborative tools like Slack to encourage all different generations to talk and share information. It's a simple tool that is easy for all generations to understand and use. It brings us all together in a good way. We also plan get-togethers so that we all come face to face to discuss certain projects, combining online and offline tactics. - Gloria Horsley, Open to Hope 

2. Focus On The Mission 

Our teams typically consist of people from several generations and they just learn from each other, rather than trying to impose one style over another. Technology helps, of course. And yet what we think matters most is that they all unite and align with the mission and the vision of our organization. It's very rewarding! - Magdalena Mook, ICF (International Coach Federation) 


3. Establish Common Ground 

We need to first map out a universal ideology, which accelerates how people from different age groups connect to one another. For example, pick a movie which interests everyone, and have them share their thoughts on it. - Kevin Xu, Human Heritage Project & National Rongxiang Xu Foundation  

4. Honor Institutional Knowledge While Supporting Productive Disruption! 

We honor the institutional knowledge, skills and expertise that our more experienced generations bring to the workplace; and support and cultivate the entrepreneurial, “productive disruption” lens that our younger generations have to offer. When that blend is achieved, it creates a strong mixture of practiced oversight and fresh eyes on our projects. - Peggy Smith, Worldwide ERC 

5. Create A Fun, Welcoming Environment 

One thing that is constant across all generations is that people enjoy having fun. To optimize your organization's teamwork you should be sensitive to generational differences, but focus on having a fun, inviting work environment that allows people to express themselves. When this is achieved, the diverse, multi-generational knowledge within your staff will be make your team more productive. - Bruce Maj Pelz, Maji Safi Group 
