Generation Gaps

2 Days

Introduction

While having various cultures in one workplace can present communication problems and conflicts, the benefits of such a variety in the workplace outweighs the issues.

The workplace can present challenges to management in terms of handling the different generations present. As older workers delay retiring and younger workers are entering the workforce, the work environment has become a patchwork of varying perspectives and experiences, all valuable to say the least.

Our Generation Gaps workshop will help you to understand the various generations present at work, and understand what motivates them and dealing with them on a daily basis. Both the young and older workers will have many ideas to offer, which can help the organisation to thrive in the marketplace. Learning how to deal with the generation gaps at work will help you become a better manager and a colleague.

Programme Objectives:

• History behind generation gaps
• What are traditionalists
• What are baby boomers
• What are Generation Xers
• What are Generation Yers
• Differences between each type of generation
• Finding common ground among the generations
• Conflict management
• Leveraging the benefits of generation gaps at work

Method and Approach

This programme will involve the use of slides, handout material, work manual with all instructor notes and slides, examples of best practice, appropriate videos and appropriate video material.

The use of flip-charts, syndicate workshops and reporting back sessions will encourage a fully participative and enjoyable event. Delegates will be encouraged to participate actively in relating previous work experiences.

Course Content

This two-day course will cover the following subjects:

Module One: Getting Started

• Introduction to the course
• Workshop Objectives

Module Two: History

• What Generations Exist in the Workplace
• What Defines a Generation?
• What This Means In Our Workplace?

Module Three: Traditionalist

• Their Background
• Their Characters
• Their Working Style

Module Four: Baby Boomers

• Their Background
• Their Characters
• Their Working Style

Module Five: Generation X’s

• Their Background
• Their Characters
• Their Working Style

Module Six: Generation Y’s (Millennial)

• Their Background
• Their Characters
• Their Working Style

Module Seven: Differentiations Between Generations

• Background
• Attitude
• Working Style
• Life Experience

Module Eight: Finding Common Ground

• Adopting A Communication Style
• Creating An Affinity Group
• Sharing Knowledge

Module Nine: Conflict Management (I)

• Younger Bosses Managing Older Workers
• Avoid Turnover with a Retention Plan
• Breaking Down the Stereotypes

Module Ten: Conflict Management (II)

• Embrace The Hot Zone
• Treat Each Other As A Peer
• Create a Succession Plan

Module Eleven: The Power of 4

• Benefits of Generation Gaps
• How to Learn From Each Other
• Embracing the Unfamiliar

Module Twelve: Wrapping Up

• Words from the Wise
• Review of Parking Lot
• Lessons Learned
• Completion of Action Plans and Evaluations