Meagan Johnson - Generational Speaker

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

Understanding Generations in the Workplace

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

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

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.”

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:

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! 

Celebrating Diversity Month in the Workplace

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

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

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: 

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!

Roar or Reform? Celebrating with Humor and Heart

Celebrating Women’s History Month

Happy Tuesday! Are you also surprised that it’s already March? Ringing in the annual tradition of… *checks calendar* … Women’s History Month!

Time to dust off the inspirational quotes about glass ceilings, pioneering women, and fire up the “I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar” playlist (because apparently, we should still roar).

While Women’s History Month can sometimes feel like a Hallmark holiday with a slightly more serious message, it’s important to remember the why behind the what. *cue history lesson*

The Rise of the Female Trailblazers: Enter the Era of Power Suits and Paychecks (Finally!)

The feminist movement of the 20th century was basically a giant middle finger to the status quo. Women like Gloria Steinem and Betty Friedan said, “Enough is enough!” They demanded equal rights, equal pay, and the chance to, you know, not wear an itchy petticoat every day.

Cue the “Baby Boomers”

This generation saw a surge in working moms. While they might’ve faced resistance from some “stay-at-home” parents, these women paved the way for future generations to juggle careers and motherhood with ninja-like efficiency.

Gen X Women: Breaking the Glass Ceiling (and Maybe a Few Wine Glasses)

Gen X women entered the workforce with a “can-do” attitude and a healthy dose of skepticism towards the whole “glass ceiling” thing. They saw their mothers break barriers and weren’t about to let a metaphor hold them back. This generation saw a significant increase in women in leadership positions, proving once again that women can lead, manage, and rock a killer suit (with slightly wider shoulder pads, of course).

Millennials: The Work-Life Balance Renegades (and the Masters of Side Hustles)

Millennial women grew up with the expectation of a career, not just a job. They value flexibility and work-life balance, thanks in part to the trailblazing moms who came before them. This generation embraces technology and side hustles, turning their passions into paychecks. They’re also the generation most likely to call out unequal pay and demand change.

Gen Z: Make Room for the Latest Generation in the Workforce

Gen Z are growing up in different environments from previous generations. They “value individual expression,” “mobilize themselves for a variety of causes,” and “believe profoundly in the efficacy of dialogue to solve conflicts and improve the world.”

With all this constant change, this is much more than just some history lesson – it’s a present-day reminder. A reminder that women have always been there, pushing boundaries, breaking barriers, and, yes, occasionally roaring in the face of adversity. *cue Katy Perry – Roar* 

With that being said, how can we approach this month with both respect and a healthy dose of humor?

Here are a few tips:

  • Challenge Biases: Understanding the historical context of women’s struggles helps dismantle unconscious biases that may still exist in our society today.
  • Ditch the clichés: We’ve all seen the “women holding up the world” memes and “strong female character” tropes a million times. Let’s celebrate the real, diverse experiences of women, from the boardroom to the battlefield, and everything in between.
  • Humor? Yes, but responsibly: A little laughter can go a long way, but remember, the goal is to celebrate, not belittle. Aim for humor that empowers and uplifts, rather than reinforces tired stereotypes.
  • Amplify diverse voices: Not all women’s experiences are created equal. This month, use your platform to showcase the stories of women from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and walks of life.
  • Go beyond the month: While Women’s History Month provides a dedicated focus, let’s not relegate our appreciation and advocacy for women to just 31 days. Let’s strive for continuous acknowledgment and support throughout the year.

Women’s History is a continuous journey that requires ongoing effort, open minds, and maybe even a sprinkle of humor along the way. So, let’s celebrate Women’s History Month, but let’s also remember that the real celebration is ongoing, every single day!