Strength in Diversity: 5 benefits of a multigenerational workplace

Working and training in a multigenerational workplace with people of all ages and backgrounds can be both intriguing and satisfying as there’s always something new to learn. I believe generational diversity is key to encouraging an inclusive and collaborative setting for all employees. At Connico, I’ve experienced firsthand the benefits of a multigenerational workplace. Below are 5 benefits I’ve seen from working in a setting with diverse leadership and teams:

Mutual respect for team members

At Connico, team members respect and appreciate the diverse perspectives, strengths, and experiences each one of us brings to the table. Some team members have over 35 years of experience in their field, while others are new in their careers with less than 2 years of experience. Recognizing that everyone has something unique to offer, regardless of their experience level, has been vital to Connico’s success and innovation in our industry

Clear communication and open conversations

Connico encourages open and respectful communication among team members, which has resulted in incredible respect for others throughout the company. Having an open floor to share ideas, thoughts, and concerns helps bring any problems to the forefront, resolve generational gaps through genuine dialogue and promote understanding throughout the company.

Introduction to and understanding of different work styles

Having a variety of generations in one workplace can be challenging when it comes to different work styles and preferences, but it’s important to understand and adapt to these when possible. Some team members may prefer face-to-face meetings whereas others might like digital messages for updates. At Connico, we work to figure out these differences by completing a series of tests to learn about our personalities. The results of these behavioral tests help us determine what our team members excel at and how we connect with each other, which enables us to align with the organization’s goals and core values.

Opportunities for professional development and growth

Providing professional development opportunities is a core piece of the employee experience at Connico. There are many instances when we travel with older team members to conferences. During these trips, we are able to learn from and teach each other new skills, like how to network, in order to contribute to the success of the team.

Fully inclusive teammates

Inclusivity, which is one of Connico’s core values and demonstrated throughout the company, is something I value most about our multigenerational workplace. At previous jobs, I’ve experienced leadership and other team members dismissing or belittling ideas based on age or generation. At Connico, I’ve seen open-mindedness and a willingness to learn from one another. For example, when receiving a new project, everyone is comfortable jumping in to share ideas on how to innovate as a team rather than holding back for someone with a higher title or more experience to voice their thoughts first.

Connico has shown great leadership in setting the tone for multigenerational work by encouraging a collaborative and respectful workplace, and it makes an immense difference in the way our team comes together to be the best possible partners for our clients.

Ramon Valdez is an Analyst II at Connico. He can be reached at ravaldez@connico.com.