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Meagan Johnson - Generational Speaker

Solve Your Challenges and Bridge the Gap between Generations at Your Multigenerational Workforce

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Meagan

Nov 11 2024

Kindness Day: The Key to Multigenerational Collaboration

In a world filled with diverse viewpoints, cultures, and beliefs, we often find ourselves divided… not just by our preferences and opinions but also by the years we were born. Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, Gen Zers, and now Gen Alpha all navigate the world with unique lenses, shaped by distinct events, technologies, and societal shifts.

A term I use to describe these distinct events and shifts is “generational signposts.” These signposts can be profound, creating additional barriers and misunderstandings. As we celebrate World Kindness Day (international observance on November 13th), it’s worth considering: Can kindness be the bridge that helps us “zap the generational gap”?

World Kindness Day

This question lies at the heart of my message as a generational speaker and enthusiast! I’ve spent over two decades connecting with organizations and associations, helping them tackle generational challenges, myths, and misunderstandings head-on. Every generation carries its own set of assumptions and judgments, often rooted in stereotypes. We might think, “Millennials are entitled,” or “Boomers don’t know how to use technology.” These beliefs create barriers before we even get to know each other! But kindness challenges these assumptions. Kindness means we’re willing to look beyond the surface and consider each individual. It’s a commitment to seeing people for who they truly are, rather than reducing them to any stereotypes.

How Kindness Breaks Down Barriers

According to the Mayo Clinic, a “simple, free, positive and healthy” act of kindness can:

  • Increase the giver’s self-esteem, empathy, and compassion
  • Improve mood
  • Decrease blood pressure and cortisol (a stress hormone)
  • Increase connectivity to others, enhancing relationships and reducing loneliness
  • Release endorphins and boost serotonin and dopamine, lighting up your brain’s pleasure centers and leading to a feeling of satisfaction and well-being. 

Consider implementing one of these DEI activities this November: 

“Random Acts of Kindness” Cross-Generational Challenge

  • Invite employees from different generations to participate in a “random acts of kindness” challenge over a week. Encourage them to participate in small, thoughtful acts for someone from a different generation. Examples include sending a personalized note, sharing a helpful article or resource, or even offering to mentor or learn from someone of a different age group. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation has FREE Kindness in the Workplace resources, like the one below.

Kindness Brainstorm for Community Impact

  • Organize an intergenerational brainstorming session to generate ideas on how the team or organization could give back to the local community. Teams should be mixed generationally and asked to work together on a kindness-themed project, such as a volunteer day or fundraising campaign. “Many studies have shown that volunteer programs boost productivity, increase employee engagement, and improve hiring and retention. For example, a study I conducted in 2013 showed that the more people volunteered (even if it was on their own time instead of on company time), the better they performed on work tasks.” – Harvard Business Review

Multicultural Holiday Potluck & Recipe Swap

  • “Multicultural potlucks provide a space for building community and connection while celebrating workplace diversity and inclusion.  No matter what the cuisine, each unique dish carries with it a story, a history, and a heritage, and offers an opportunity to cross borders and share new experiences.” Host a holiday potluck and encourage employees to bring dishes that represent their cultural or generational backgrounds. To add a kindness element, pair people up to share why their dish is meaningful, encouraging cross-generational connections. For ideas, check out these 23 Diverse Potluck Ideas for the Office by CultureAlly! 
Kindness Day Challenge

World Kindness Day – Key to Multigenerational Connection & Collaboration

World Kindness Day reminds us that kindness is a universal language and a powerful tool for fostering genuine multigenerational collaboration. We often think of kindness as something “soft”—a warm smile, a friendly gesture, or an encouraging word. Kindness is powerful. Kindness is a fundamental part of the human condition which bridges the divides of race, religion, politics, gender, and location. It can disarm, to open minds, and to build trust. When applied across generations, it becomes a catalyst for connection and growth. 

Written by Meagan · Categorized: Generational Employee Engagement, Understanding Generations in the Workplace

Oct 28 2024

Generational DEI Activities and Spooky Fun in the Workplace

DEI Activities can certainly foster a sense of belonging…

Spooky season is near its end and we’re heading into the busy holiday season… Before we get wrapped up in all the busyness, Generational Enthusiast Meagan Johnson wants to recommend some fun! Fun and DEI (Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion) activities foster a sense of belonging, which helps improve employee engagement.

Research by Deloitte has shown that organizations with a strong sense of inclusion experience up to 2.3 times higher employee engagement than their counterparts lacking DEI initiatives. Playful activities in the workplace have also been shown to significantly reduce stress levels. According to the American Psychological Association, promoting fun in the workplace, such as team-building exercises and casual social activities, helps reduce stress and improves mental health! 

DEI Activities

Source: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace: Benefits and Challenges by Kellie Wong

Spooky Fun DEI Activities 

  1. Campfire Chronicles Encourage a “campfire” storytelling session (virtual or in-person) where employees from each generation share their own “ghost stories” from the workplace – moments that were frightening, challenging, or eye-opening. These could range from silly tech fails to career-defining moments. It’s a powerful way to bond and it’s also how our ancestors passed down knowledge, traditions, and values!”Campfire leverages our natural storytelling techniques by giving players a format and a space in which to share work stories–of trial and error, failure and success, competition, diplomacy, and teamwork,” write Gray, Brown, and Macanufo. Especially in multigenerational teams, storytelling allows employees to see each other’s humanity, laugh together, and gain insights into one another’s unique journeys.
  2. Costume Swap: Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes Encourage employees to dress in costumes inspired by the fashion and pop culture of another generation. Pop culture nostalgia can create shared laughter and unexpected points of connection across age groups. Popular costumes this year draw inspiration from recent movie releases and nostalgic reboots. According to Google, the top trending costume this year is Shrunken Head Bob from Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, a recently released sequel to the 1988 classic. By combining modern and throwback costumes, employees can enjoy the opportunity to see the influences that have shaped each generation’s culture and humor! 
  3. Guess the Ghoul 👻 This is a fun spin on Meagan’s “Guess the baby photo” keynote activity! Have employees submit photos of past Halloween costumes from childhood or teenage years. Assign each photo a number then post the photos on a bulletin board or gather everyone around for a slideshow presentation. Give employees a blank card to “guess the ghoul” in each photo, by writing down the name. Award prizes for the most correct guesses, and the “Sneakiest Ghoul” that avoided the most correct guesses. Childhood costumes and full-body costumes tend to work best for this activity, as these disguises make it harder to guess. This game helps coworkers get nostalgic and learn more about each other’s personalities while reliving memories of Halloween past.
  4. Spooky Playlist Collaboration “The studies on the power of music stretch far and wide, from improved job performance, reduced stress, heightened creativity and focus to increased productivity, improved employee morale, and job satisfaction.” In Meagan Johnson’s keynote, she shares a client who has implemented the power of music by having different employees choose the music every hour. Similarly, host a spooky playlist showdown where each generation contributes songs from their era to create an eclectic Halloween soundtrack. From haunting hits of the 60s to modern, spooky synth beats, this activity allows generations to appreciate each other’s musical tastes while creating a shared festive vibe.
  5. Generations’ Graveyard: Busting Myths and Misconceptions Set up a “graveyard” of common generational stereotypes and misconceptions. Have each generation write down myths they’ve encountered about their own or other generations on faux tombstones or signs. Then, host a Halloween social hour where everyone can “lay these myths to rest” by discussing and debunking them. This activity allows everyone to update their biases and welcome a fresh perspective on generational differences.

Embrace the Spirit of Halloween Year-Round

Halloween’s festivities remind us of the value of embracing different ideas and personalities, even those we might not fully understand at first. Just as we celebrate unique costumes and personalities during spooky seasons, we can celebrate the diversity of generations year-round by nurturing curiosity and mutual respect. These DEI activities are a playful start to Zapping the Generational Gap. After all, the real treat is the chance to connect, learn, and collaborate with colleagues of all ages—no tricks necessary. Happy Halloween everyone! 🎃

P.S. Did you know? One-quarter of all the candy sold annually in the U.S. is purchased for Halloween! 🍬

Written by Meagan · Categorized: Generational Employee Engagement, Understanding Generations in the Workplace

Oct 14 2024

National Boss’s Day: Appreciation is Contagious

With National Boss’s Day right around the corner (October 16th), it’s the perfect time to talk about appreciation! 

As a generational speaker and enthusiast, I’m always excited to explore ways we can bridge the gaps between generations in the workplace.

But first, a quick throwback…

Did you know that National Boss’s Day was created in 1958 by Patricia Bays Haroski – an employee at State Farm Insurance Company? She chose October 16th (her father’s birthday) as a day to show appreciation for bosses and improve workplace relationships. What a sweet sentiment! Meagan and Larry Johnson know a thing or two about a powerful daughter-father duo!

While it’s impactful for employees to acknowledge and appreciate their bosses, I want us to focus on the latter – improving workplace relationships.

National Boss's Day

National Boss’s Day

Bosses can make or break the entire workplace, and not just from a business perspective. As leaders, we have a responsibility to challenge our biases/stereotypes and lead with curiosity. Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) is challenging the way we’ve always done things but as I mentioned in my keynote “Zap the Generational Gap,” this is nothing new. Welcoming change is always our best bet… especially considering Gen Z will account for more than a quarter of the workforce by 2025. 

Lead Change and Foster a Culture

So, how can we, as bosses, lead change and foster a culture of mutual respect and gratitude?

  • Acknowledge their unique experiences: As Cat Ward, vice president of Jobs for the Future, said in a LinkedIn article, “Theirs is a generation molded by transformative forces, including a global pandemic, a racial reckoning, political gridlock, climate crisis, and the rise of artificial intelligence.” 
  • Provide meaningful feedback and mentorship:  A mentor to Gen Z is more than a career guide; they are life coaches, sounding boards, and sometimes, fellow travelers on the journey of self-discovery. Reverse mentoring is another powerful tool in providing opportunities to develop leadership skills and confidence. 
  • Create a culture of inclusivity and belonging: “Gen Z values a far more diversified world than previous generations. Therefore, dedication to diversity and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace is not simply a “nice-to-have” for them, it’s an expectation.”
  • Embrace flexibility and work-life balance: Be an advocate for mental health, encourage them to prioritize their well-being, and offer flexible work arrangements. According to Gallup, around 53% of workers expect hybrid environments to continue, while 24% expect fully remote environments in the future.
  • Environmental, sustainable, and social responsibility: Gen Z is passionate about change! Create opportunities for them to contribute to meaningful projects, empower them to take ownership of their work, and show them their voices matter. 

Appreciation is contagious.

When we, as leaders, show genuine appreciation for our employees, we create a ripple effect that spreads throughout the entire organization.

This National Boss’s Day, let’s grow beyond the traditional “thank you” and let’s celebrate by showing our appreciation for all the amazing people who make our organizations thrive!

You are appreciated!

Written by Meagan · Categorized: Understanding Generations in the Workplace

Sep 30 2024

October: The Most Productive Month

October is considered the most productive month. We go from the summer slump to a fall focus! That means… Reflect, Recommit, and Reset!

Goodbye summer, hello Autumn (unless you’re like Meagan and live in the Arizona desert 🥵)! We’re getting excited for all things fall, the weather getting cooler, and the upcoming holidays. Those feelings are often accompanied by a sense of urgency to get things done before the end of the year. Lucky for us, Autumn comes with some added ambition. According to a study by Accountemps, 48% of professionals feel most productive in the fall! More specifically, research shares that October is our most productive month, followed by November and September. Maybe it’s those back-to-school vibes ingrained in us since childhood, the pumpkin spice lattes invigorating our senses, or the looming holiday deadlines that unite us in a common goal of “getting it all done,” but something about fall just makes us want to conquer the world.

the most productive month

Summer can be a whirlwind of vacations, extra family time, and late nights. On the other hand, fall invites a sense of structure and balance, which can do wonders for our productivity. Research in psychology shows that people are more likely to commit to change when they perceive the start of a new season as an opportunity to reset and renew. 

You might be thinking, “Meagan, how does this relate to generations?” Well, here’s the thing: while each generation may have its unique quirks and preferences (like Boomers and their love for fax machines, or Gen Z and their obsession with all things digital), we all share the desire to achieve our goals and make a meaningful impact. And fall, with its inherent focus on productivity and self-improvement, provides the perfect opportunity for us to come together, ditch the stereotypes, and support each other. Think about it: instead of revisiting the tired old narratives about “lazy Millennials” or “tech-challenged Boomers,” let’s use this fall season to be curious and connect. 

Reflect and Reassess 

Before you start getting ahead and planning for 2025, make time to reflect on 2024. Some questions to consider:

  • What goals have I achieved? 
  • What was my biggest success so far? 
  • What didn’t go as planned? 
  • What do I need to do more of? Or less of? 
  • What have I learned about myself? 

Reflect on your accomplishments that truly made a difference this year. Don’t be shy about celebrating those wins – you earned them! Once you’ve celebrated, turn your attention to those areas where things didn’t quite go according to plan. Instead of beating yourself up about it, approach those areas with empathy and understanding. By embracing our mistakes with kindness, we can become aware of the valuable lessons and reassess as needed. 

Recommit and Refresh

Fall is the perfect time to shake things up, try something new, and inject some fresh energy into your routine. Here are a few ideas:

  • Embrace the New: Consider taking on a new challenge or hobby. Spend more time in nature, join a book club, or channel your inner artist with painting! Maybe paint in nature? A study published online on Sept. 11, 2023, by Nature Medicine suggests that having a hobby is good for your health, mood, and more.
  • Career Glow-Up: Feeling an urge for change? Explore new opportunities within your company, revamp your LinkedIn profile (because let’s be real, that’s the new resume), or network with people in your industry. Fall is a prime time for conferences and workshops, so get out there and make those connections!
  • Find Your Tribe: Connect with people from different generations, both personally and professionally. You might be surprised at how much you can learn from each other.
  • Refresh Your Routine: Summer can be a bit chaotic, so fall is the ideal opportunity to re-establish healthy habits. Get back into a consistent workout routine, prioritize sleep, and nourish your body with delicious, seasonal foods. (Sadly, pumpkin spice lattes don’t count as a superfood…I checked) 
  • Mindful Moments: Mindfulness is the quality of being present and fully engaged with whatever we’re doing at the moment — free from distraction or judgment, and aware of our thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them. Although mindfulness and meditation share commonalities, mindfulness is more of a way of living and a continuous reminder to be in the present moment. 

Reset and Renew (aka Time for Some Serious Self-Care)

A personal reset is about consciously pausing and reassessing different areas of your life. It involves looking at various elements such as your mental health, physical wellness, social connections, and personal hobbies. It’s about finding harmony and alignment in these areas to create a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Let’s not forget that fall is also a time for cozy vibes and prioritizing your well-being. Embrace the shorter days and cooler weather by creating a warm and inviting atmosphere at home and at work. Light some scented candles, curl up with a good book, and allow yourself to recharge. Instead of aiming for grand resolutions, consider setting intentions that align with the spirit of fall—letting go, saying goodbye to what no longer serves you, and welcoming new possibilities. In any season, it’s important to take care of the person who you spend the most time with (yourself). Embrace the extra energy, set intentions, ditch the stereotypes, and ask for support when you need it. And hey, don’t forget to treat yourself to a pumpkin spice latte (or three) along the way. You deserve it! 🧡

Written by Meagan · Categorized: Uncategorized

Sep 13 2024

Is Working Remotely Ruining Gen Z’s Chance of a Promotion?

Who is Gen Z, Specifically?

Technically, we encourage you to care about every generation, but today we’re talking about Gen Z! Born after Millennials (1981-1996) and before Gen-Alpha (2010-2025), Gen Z was born roughly between 1997-2010. Gen Z is the first generation of “digital natives” and has never known a world without cell phones or the internet. They’ve watched technology rapidly evolve and faced unprecedented challenges, from a global pandemic to a cost-of-living crisis, which will later be understood as unique generational signposts.  

“With the Covid pandemic, opportunities disappeared for the kind of part-time employment and internships that undergraduates were once able to have to build their résumés. We finish college now with a diploma in hand. Still, lacking the real-world experience and credentials for which employers look,” Nathan Biller, a graduate of Colgate University, wrote in an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal.

Fast forward to 2024 and many organizations are still trying to navigate this landscape of remote work. And guess who else is feeling it? Yup – Gen Z. They’re joining the workforce during this weird in-between transition, and we could offer some support and mentorship!

Working Remotely: Gen Z’s Dream or Nightmare?

Working Remotely

Here are a few benefits from WFH: 

  • More professional opportunities for people with accessibility needs (when commuting is difficult or impossible)
  • Less commuting expenses and less commuting time (more time for other priorities)
  • Ability to reduce stress by taking breaks for self-care, or spending time with loved ones 
  • Ability to help with caregiving, if an older or younger family is at home

But, on the other hand, here are some challenges:

  • More difficulty finding support networks and career networks (lack of face-to-face relationship building) 
  • Screen and Zoom/Teams fatigue 
  • Greater burnout risk (from unclear scheduling, unrealistic expectations, or a lack of boundaries)
  • Risk of isolation and lack of connection 

Setting Gen Z Up for Success: Let’s Zap The Gap!

  • Build a Strong Culture, Even Remotely: Create opportunities for virtual team-building, social events, and casual interactions. Make sure everyone feels connected and supported, even virtually.
  • Clear Communication is Key: Set clear expectations, use silence as a conversational tool, and encourage open communication.
  • Prioritize Mentorship & Development: Offer virtual mentorship programs, online training, and opportunities for growth. Invest in Gen Z’s future, and they’ll invest in yours.
  • Encourage Work-Life Balance: Promote healthy boundaries, flexible schedules, and self-care. Happy employees are productive employees!

Reflecting on these points, we encourage you to make an effort to update your current virtual landscape as we see that it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. “Remote work is the new reality, and Gen Z is leading the charge. According to the World Economic Forum, Gen-Z will account for more than a quarter of the workforce by 2025, and they will be a force to reckon with.” By understanding our evolving needs and adapting our workplaces, we can create an inclusive future, no matter where they’re working from.  

“If we combine the workforce’s post-pandemic desire for autonomy and freedom with great managing that matches the needs of the new workforce—and customers—we could create the most engaging and inspiring workplace cultures imaginable,” he says. “The changes brought about by the pandemic have created remarkable opportunities for organizations to manage, motivate, and get more productivity and customer focus out of their workforces than ever before. While there are significant challenges, many organizations have already shown this is possible.” – Dr. Jim Harter Will you be a catalyst for change, support Gen Z as they navigate this new landscape, and Zap the Generational Gap with me?

Written by Meagan · Categorized: Generation Z, Generational Challenges

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