Understanding Generations in the Workplace

Jul 01 2024

July’s Lessons on Independence and Inclusivity

Independence and inclusivity is about being able to live life on one’s own terms. To pursue one’s passions and contribute meaningfully…

Happy (almost) 4th of July!

When most of us think of July, we think of yummy bbqs, fun fireworks, and beautiful parades. While all of this is fun, we want to highlight that July is also Disability Pride Month. We get an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community.

The Ever-Changing Face of Independence

July is a month that beautifully highlights the evolving nature of independence. In today’s world we recognize that independence isn’t just about political freedom. It’s about being able to live life on one’s own terms, pursue one’s passions, and contribute meaningfully to society, regardless of our abilities or backgrounds. This all-encompassing definition is beautifully embodied in the Paralympic athletes who are redefining what’s possible and inspiring us in many ways!

Just as our understanding of independence and inclusivity continues to evolve, so does the workplace. Rigid hierarchies and one-size-fits-all approaches are no longer viable or sustainable options. Our 2024 workforce is filled with different generations, diverse abilities, and endless perspectives. When employees feel empowered to make decisions, take ownership of their work, and contribute their unique talents, they become more engaged, innovative, and productive. This translates to a more resilient and successful organization!

5 Workforce Inclusivity Tips

Embrace Flexibility: Just as Paralympians train in diverse ways to achieve their goals, recognize that employees have different needs and preferences when it comes to how and where they work. Offer flexible work arrangements and be open-minded. Cultivate an environment where everyone feels comfortable asking for what they need to succeed.
Foster a Culture of Learning and Growth: Independence isn’t about figuring everything out on your own. It’s about having the confidence and resources to learn and grow. Encourage continuous learning and development for all employees. Provide mentorship opportunities, and create a culture where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities.
Celebrate Individuality: Are you recognizing and celebrating the diverse perspectives in your organization? Encourage employees to share their stories, celebrate their cultural traditions, and bring their whole selves to work.
Cultivate Accessibility: Ensure that your workplace is accessible to people with disabilities, both physically and digitally. This is not just a legal requirement. It’s an essential step towards creating a truly inclusive environment where everyone can participate fully.
Lead with Empathy and Understanding: Remember that everyone’s journey to independence is different. Lead with empathy, create a culture of psychological safety, and foster open communication where everyone feels comfortable sharing their challenges and seeking support.

Celebrating Independence and Inclusivity – Together

This July, as we celebrate America’s independence and the inspiring achievements of Olympians and Paralympians, let’s encourage celebrating in the workplace.

Here are three suggestions:

Host a Disability Pride Month event: Invite a guest speaker, showcase the work of employees with disabilities, or simply create a space for open dialogue and education.
Organize a watch party for the Paralympics: Cheer on the athletes and celebrate their incredible achievements as a team.
Launch an inclusivity initiative: Use this month as a springboard to implement one of the inclusivity tips mentioned above or create your own initiative tailored to your workplace.

Remember that an inclusive workplace is one where everyone feels empowered to take chances, use their voice, and be themselves. Let’s celebrate the evolving nature of independence and create a work culture where everyone can shine! “True freedom is not primarily a freedom ‘from’ external restraints or a freedom ‘to’ enact our own will but a freedom ‘for’ something greater than ourselves.”

Jun 18 2024

Juneteenth: A Time for Reflection and Action Across Generations

It’s June 18th, 2024 and as a collective we have a responsibility to continue sharing our stories and history. Together we reflect on a momentous time and honor Juneteenth aka Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day and Black Independence Day. For over 150 years, Juneteenth has held a sacred place in many Black communities. It commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom. A delayed but momentous moment occurring after the Civil War and over two years following President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.

Despite many obstacles, Juneteenth continued to be celebrated in many communities, often through church gatherings, picnics, and parades. It serves as a time to reflect on the past, celebrate freedom, and inspire hope for the future. In the 20th century, the Civil Rights Movement brought renewed attention to Juneteenth, as activists recognized its significance in the fight for racial justice.

“President Biden signed legislation in 2021 that made Juneteenth, which falls on June 19, a federal holiday, after interest in the day was renewed during the summer of 2020 and the nationwide protests that followed the police killings of Black Americans including George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.”

This landmark decision marked a significant step towards acknowledging the contributions of African Americans and honoring their history.

How Can WE Contribute Today?

Each generation carries unique perspectives, and Juneteenth is a powerful connection point for shared empathy and unity.

Here are some ways each generation may contribute:

Baby Boomers:

Share Stories and Experiences: Many Boomers have lived through significant historical events related to the Civil Rights Movement. Some may have direct or familial connections to the era of slavery and segregation. Sharing personal stories and perspectives can help younger generations understand the significance of Juneteenth and the ongoing struggle for racial justice.

Gen X:

Bridge the Generational Gap: Gen Xers can act as a bridge between older and younger generations, sharing their experiences and perspectives with a less personal connection. Growing up during a time of increasing cultural diversity, Gen Xers may have developed a heightened awareness of racial issues and a desire to learn more about Juneteenth’s significance. They can help create spaces for open and honest conversations about race, history, and equality, both in the workplace and in their communities.

Millennials:

Advocate for Change: Millennials are known for their passion for social justice. They are the first generation to grow up in the digital age, utilizing social media and online platforms to amplify voices and raise awareness about Juneteenth. They prioritize social impact and are likely to engage in volunteerism, community organizing, and supporting businesses that align with their values of diversity and inclusion. They can use these skills to plan and participate in Juneteenth events and initiatives.

Gen Z:

Educate and Inform: Gen Z are the most racially and ethnically diverse generation, growing up in a more multicultural environment. They are experts at creating and sharing content on social media. Gen Z can hold individuals, organizations, and institutions accountable for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. They are passionate about social justice issues and view Juneteenth as a call to action to dismantle systemic racism and create a more equitable future.

How Can Your Company Acknowledge Juneteenth?

“Juneteenth is an excellent time to take a closer look at your policies and programs, examine your data, and check in with workers. According to our 2021 study, Stepping up for Equity, many companies are still missing important opportunities to get feedback from Black employees.” There are many meaningful ways to mark this important day:

Support Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): If your company has ERGs focused on diversity and inclusion, empower them to lead Juneteenth initiatives. This is a great way to amplify diverse voices and ensure authentic representation.
Company-Wide Communication: Send out an email or internal newsletter including the significance of Juneteenth. Encourage employees to learn more and participate in any planned activities.
Lunch and Learn Sessions: Host a virtual or in-person session where employees can celebrate Juneteenth, discuss how we can each do our part, and share our own personal experiences.
Volunteer Opportunities: Partner with local organizations that support African American communities. Encourage employees to volunteer their time or participate in fundraising efforts.
Celebrate Through the Arts: Organize book clubs or discussions around books by Black authors that explore African American history, culture, or contemporary issues.

Let’s Make Juneteenth a Year-Round Effort

Despite personal and generational differences, there’s a shared recognition of Juneteenth’s importance as a day of remembrance, celebration, and education. Each generation is instrumental to the ongoing conversation about racial justice, albeit with unique perspectives and approaches.

By understanding and appreciating our diverse perspectives, we can foster a more inclusive and meaningful observance of Juneteenth, promoting dialogue, unity, and collective action towards a more equitable society. Today, tomorrow, and year-round. It’s a friendly reminder that while our journeys may be different, our destination is the same.

May 20 2024

Cultural Diversity & Generational Diversity

While May brings us fun like Cinco de Mayo margaritas and Memorial Day BBQs, we’re making sure we pay homage to World Day for Cultural Diversity!

“Held every year on 21 May, UNESCO leads the celebration of World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development highlighting not only the richness of the world’s cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.”

Cultural Diversity

Though cultural diversity and generational diversity are distinct in their origins, we find significant similarities in their impact on society and the workplace. Think about it: each generation is born into a specific cultural context, a snapshot in time where trends, technologies, and social norms shape their worldviews and experiences. Boomers grew up with rock ‘n’ roll and the civil rights movement, Gen Xers were latchkey kids raised on MTV and grunge, Millennials embraced the internet and avocado toast, and Zoomers are fluent in memes and TikTok. Gen-Expert Meagan Johnson acknowledges these experiences in time as generational signposts in her “Zap the Generational Gap” presentation.

As we consider generational signposts, our cultural diversity adds an extra layer of complexity to our multigenerational society. Imagine a Gen Zer growing up in a traditional Indian household, a Millennial raised in a multiracial family in Brazil, or a Boomer who immigrated to the United States as a child. These individuals aren’t just shaped by their generation – they’re influenced by a unique blend of cultural traditions, values, and beliefs!

Similarities Between Cultural and Generational Diversity

One of the key similarities between cultural and generational diversity lies in the importance of recognizing and valuing individual differences. Whether it’s a friend or an employee’s cultural heritage or their generational upbringing, these unique attributes shape their worldview, communication style, and approach to work. By acknowledging and respecting our differences, we can collectively create a more inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to contribute.

Another commonality is the need to challenge stereotypes and biases. Both cultural and generational diversity are often plagued by stereotypes that can limit our understanding of individuals that then hinder collaboration. By actively challenging our biases and seeking to understand others on their own terms, we can build stronger relationships, foster trust, and create a more equitable workplace.

The Unique Opportunity for Learning and Growth…

Both cultural and generational diversity offer unique opportunities for learning and growth. By interacting with colleagues from different backgrounds and age groups, we can broaden our perspectives, challenge our assumptions, and gain new insights.

Here are 5 quick tips:

Be curious and open-minded: Ask questions, listen actively, and seek out opportunities to learn about different cultures and generations.
Challenge your own biases: We all have biases, so it’s important to develop awareness of our own to begin questioning them.
Create safe spaces for dialogue: Encourage open communication, where everyone feels comfortable sharing their experiences and perspectives without fear of judgment.
Focus on common ground: Look for shared values and goals that can unite employees across cultures and generations.
Celebrate differences: Host cultural events, generational mixers, or team-building activities that celebrate the unique strengths and perspectives of different groups.

Ultimately, embracing cultural and generational diversity isn’t just a “nice-to-have,” it’s a necessity for thriving in today’s world. Let’s continue encouraging open-mindedness, awareness, and appreciation for one another. Can we kindly celebrate our differences?

“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences” — Audre Lorde

May 06 2024

Mental Health Awareness at Work: Less Stress, More Success!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month which means it’s the perfect time to talk about the importance of self-care, regulation, and balance! As we all know, unchecked stress, overwork, and burnout can cause serious long-term effects.

Let’s discuss…

Mental Health Awareness in the Workforce

When we consider mental health awareness in the workforce, it truly starts at the top. Leaders who model vulnerability, prioritize open communication, and actively promote mental health resources set the stage for a more compassionate culture. As a leader, are you modeling healthy work habits or are you promoting “the grind?”?

Let’s go through some tips to make mental wellbeing a priority in the workplace:

1. Burnout: The Productivity Killer

“Workplace” burnout involves ongoing emotional exhaustion, psychological distance or negativity, and feelings of inefficacy — all adding up to a state where the job-related stressors are not being effectively managed by the normal rest found in work breaks, weekends, and time off (World Health Organization, 2019).

Tip: Encourage open conversations about burnout and not feeling the best. Train managers and employees to spot the red flags, and create safe spaces for employees to say, “Hey, I’m struggling and would appreciate some help.” Promote honesty and a healthy work-life balance.

2. Stress: It’s Contagious (and not in a good way)

Let’s talk about the psychological effect known as “emotional contagion.” Emotional contagion is a phenomenon where the behavior of an individual (like anger or happiness) leads to the reflexive production of the same behavior by others. For example, if you’re looking at a co-worker who looks upset and disgruntled, it’s highly likely that you’ll begin mirroring their behavior!

Tip: Normalize breaks. Step away from screens, stretch, go on a walk, do a quick meditation, or whatever recharges you. Find and share stress management resources like mindfulness apps. Bonus points if you create designated chill-out zones in the office.

Less Stress… More Success!

3. The Power of Connection

Humans are social creatures and even though technology connects us now more than ever, it can also disconnect us from the people around us, leaving us feeling lonely. It’s important to remember that the most impactful communication we can have almost always happens face to face. ”In his book 7L: The Seven Levels of Communication, Michael Maher discusses the different modalities of communication, and he places them in a pyramid of hierarchy, with face-to-face being at the top and having the most impact.”

Tip: Prioritize team building activities, even if it’s just a virtual coffee break or grabbing lunch together. Encourage mentorship programs and open communication channels. Little gestures, like remembering birthdays or offering genuine praise, go a long way!

4. Feeling Safe = Feeling Productive

“Psychological safety at work doesn’t mean that everybody is nice to each other all the time. It means that people feel free to “brainstorm out loud,” voice half-finished thoughts, openly challenge the status quo, share feedback, and work through disagreements together — knowing that leaders value honesty, candor, and truth-telling, and that team members will have one another’s backs.”

Tip: Leadership sets the tone. Foster respect, psychological safety, and a zero-tolerance policy for toxic behavior. Remember, happy employees = loyal employees. Stronger bonds = Stronger teams: when we trust that our coworkers have our backs, collaboration flourishes, ideas flow freely, and we lift each other up.

5. Self-care is NOT Selfish

The term “self-care” has gained popularity in the last few years and many people think of lavish spa days or shopping sprees when they hear it. “However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality is, self-care isn’t about indulgence at all—it’s about meeting your basic needs to function at your best.”

Tip: Lead by example. Talk openly about your own mental health strategies. Promote self-care practices as part of the workday. Encourage employees to utilize mental health days without fear of judgment.

A Mentally Healthy Workplace

Bottom Line

A mentally healthy workplace isn’t just about feeling good (though that’s important too). It translates to overall wellness, safety, increased productivity, stronger teams, and a healthier bottom line. Let’s ditch the outdated “suck it up” mentality and embrace a culture where mental wellbeing is valued as much as hitting those quarterly targets. Remember, mental health matters at any and every age. YOU matter!

P.S. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with their mental health, help is available. Here are some resources:

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/
The Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Apr 09 2024

Humor as a Secret Weapon Against the Generational Gap

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!