Generational Challenges

LOL @ Work

Why is Humor Your Secret Weapon Against the Generational Gap?

We all know work comes with a myriad of emotions. Navigating a multi-generational workforce, tight deadlines, and challenging projects are all part of the experience. As a generational expert and humorist, humor is an important element that often goes overlooked! Like using a coworker or friend’s first name, laughter goes a long way and has a big impact on us. Studies have actually shown that employees with a humorous outlook are better able to handle workplace stressors, demonstrating increased resilience and adaptability. “When you start to laugh, it doesn’t just lighten your load mentally, it actually induces physical changes in your body,” the Mayo Clinic explains. 

Both in the workforce and at home, it’s important to recognize that each generation has their own unique senses of humor. Understanding these differences is the first step to finding humor that connects, not divides. Think of each generation like a different comedy club…

• Boomers: Appreciate puns, classic sitcom references, and probably have a “Far Side” cartoon taped to their cubicle.
• Gen X: Masters of sarcasm, irony, and pop culture references from the good ol’ days (aka the 90s).
• Millennials: Internet natives – think witty tweets, workplace memes, and a deep understanding of how to turn any situation into a GIF.
• Gen Z: Absurdity is their jam. We’re talking unexpected twists, niche internet humor, and a vocabulary you probably need Urban Dictionary to decipher!

The Leader’s Secret Weapon

Can leaders use humor as a secret weapon at a workplace?

Studies suggest that employees working under managers with a good sense of humor report higher job satisfaction, commitment, and a sense of belonging within the workplace! A sense of humor combined with a dose of good judgment can motivate teams, defuse tense situations, and make even tough feedback easier to digest. 

Humor is more than just about making jokes and having fun; it can also spark creativity and problem-solving in the workplace. A playful atmosphere encourages employees to think outside the box, consider unconventional solutions, and take calculated risks. Research from Wharton Business School shares that humor and lightheartedness can lead to enhanced problem-solving ability and innovative thinking!

Important Considerations

With all that being said, workplace humor must be used thoughtfully. What’s funny to one person may be offensive or hurtful to another. Here are a few tips to consider for positive, effective humor:

• Lead by Example: If you’re in a leadership position, don’t be afraid to show your humorous side. It makes you relatable and sets a positive tone.
• Inclusive, not divisive: Avoid jokes that target individuals or groups based on race, gender, sexual orientation, age, or any other personal characteristic.
• Read the room: Know your audience and the situation. Consider the age ranges and general personalities of your coworkers.
• Celebrate Wins with Laughter: Share a funny meme or GIF when a coworker achieves a goal, showing appreciation in a lighthearted way.
• Unsure? Play It Safe: If your gut says “maybe not,” it’s probably right.

When implemented responsibly, humor is a powerful tool in the modern workplace. It reduces stress, strengthens relationships, fosters creativity, and ultimately contributes to a more positive and productive work environment. So, the next time you’re tempted to connect over a silly TikTok or some outdated meme with a colleague, remember – you might just be doing your job a whole lot better! 

April might be known for spring showers and the occasional tax headache, but were you aware that April is also Celebrating Diversity Month?

As a generational enthusiast with a passion for bridging the generational gap, I’m excited to share more about celebrating diversity in the workplace, both in April and year-round!  

Celebrating Diversity Month

If we’re being real, the generational gap can sometimes feel wider than the Grand Canyon when we interact with one another! Baby Boomers might be muttering about “kids these days” while Gen Z wraps their brains around fax machines still being a thing. At the end of the day, each generation brings a unique set of skills, perspectives, and experiences to the table.

Let’s take a quick minute to review…

• Baby Boomers [Born 1946-1964]: Renowned for their work ethic and leadership qualities, Baby Boomers provide stability and a wealth of experience.
• Gen X [Born 1965-1980]: Self-reliant and adaptable, Gen X thrives in independent roles and excels at problem-solving.
• Millennials [Born 1981-1996]: Digitally native and collaborative, Millennials bring fresh ideas, a passion for purpose, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Gen Z [Born 1997-2012]: Born into a digital world, Gen Z is adept at social media engagement, creative content creation, and innovative solutions.

Working in a Multi-Generational Workforce

Working in a multi-generational workforce, we’re reminded of constant change and it can sometimes feel overwhelming keeping up. As we navigate diversity, in the workplace and outside of it, patience and open mindedness are key. Make time to ask questions and avoid making assumptions. Let’s consider these 5 tips: 

• Mentorship Programs: Pair a more experienced employee with younger colleagues for knowledge transfer and relationship building. This invites informal conversations and learning from each other’s skill sets.
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Do you have an ERG that provides a safe space for open conversations and support?
• Reverse the Flow: Don’t underestimate the power of reverse mentoring! Encourage younger employees to work with long-standing employees on navigating social media and staying up-to-date on tech trends. 
• Anonymous Feedback: Offer employees a chance to share their perspectives and concerns on anonymous channels like surveys or suggestion boxes. This makes space for honest feedback without fear of reprisal.
• Tech Talk: Technology evolves faster than a teens fashion sense. Try offering training programs that empower everyone, regardless of age, to feel comfortable using the latest tools and platforms.

These are just a few ways you can begin fostering conversations and collaboration in the workplace.

Diversity in the Workplace

Ultimately, diversity is just the first key in the recipe for a successful workplace. Inclusion is the secret ingredient that binds everything together. Recognize and reward employees who demonstrate open-mindedness, collaboration across generations, and a healthy respect for differences. Foster a space where everyone feels safe to speak their minds, share ideas, and challenge the status quo. Celebrate diversity in all its forms – age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and ability.

For any generational issues or questions, you always have Gen-Expert Meagan Johnson. Reach out by email, direct message, or even a traditional phone call. Until then, stay open-minded and keep Zapping the Generational Gap!

Meagan discussed the Generational Differences and the generations in the workplace. Each generation is shaped by the generational signposts.

So what does that mean in the workplace?

Each generation has different expectations. Expectations in their lives, the workplace, as well as in the relationships.

Meagan discussed baby boomers, Gen X, Gen Y, as well as Millennials in the workplace.

NOTE: Please excuse the quality of the audio as this interview took place at a corporate office during working hours.

How do we connect the generations in the workforce? In my interview with The Day Ahead, we discuss generational differences in the workplace and how to best connect the generations.

The type of workforce we have today is not something we have seen in our history. Millennials and baby boomers, young and old, all sharing the workplace. That means companies are having to adjust to fit the style of these different generations.

Generational Differences in the Workplace

Should companies recognize the differences in these generations? And how should they do that?

Each generation comes to the workforce with a different set of expectations. It’s not about stereotyping or putting people in boxes. It’s about evaluating experiences people had that shape their expectations of their employer.

Baby boomers are a phenomenal generation that has an incredible tribal knowledge about their companies. As the younger generations come on board, there needs to be a connection between the seasons of generations. That includes Gen Xers and Baby Boomers. The less seasoned generations, such as millennials and now gen Zs.

Understanding Generations in the Workplace

Millennials were connected with a phone in their hand starting from junior high, and now it is even earlier. We’re not educated equally in terms of technology.

Millennials are coming on board with a desire to mix things up. To change the workforce, to challenge the status quo. And that’s a good thing. Sometimes we have an emotional attachment to the way we’ve always done it.

When someone comes on board and says: ‘Let’s move it, change it, flip it, turn it...’ Our instinct is to say that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The problem is that when we do that, not only do we disconnect from the millennials, we possibly lose out on some really good ideas.

Ask yourself whatever they want to do, whatever they want to challenge, does it negatively impact cost, quality, safety, or service? If the answer is no, try it!

The worst-case scenario will be no change. The best-case scenario will be that you reinvent the way you’re doing business. Or… you will find an easier way to get things done.

How to Connect the Generations in the Workplace

There’s no generation that is immune to lazy people. Just because a millennial has less experience than an older employee, that does not mean that they are not as passionate about what they’re doing. Recognizing the passion, excitement, and enthusiasm for the task at hand does not necessarily correlate to years of experience!

People can can develop better work habits. They become better at their job as they age, but if someone’s lazy – not sure that can be changed!

Establish that basic rapport that you need to get along with your colleagues. Introduce yourself, find something in common with them, get to know them. You learn how to work with people differently by actually doing it.