The dynamics of today’s workforce are changing. The Boomer generation is delaying retirement and more Gen Xers are moving into leadership roles.
And, have you noticed that there are more and more articles about Millennials in the workforce? With more older generation workers retiring each year, mainly the Silents, Millennials now make up more than one-third of today’s workforce.
Millennials have surpassed Gen Xers as the largest generation in the labor force.
According to Pew Research, more than one-in-three American workers today are Millennials (adults ages 18 to 34). This milestone happened in the first quarter of 2015 when Millennials surpassed Generation X to become the largest share of the American workforce or more than 53.5 million. The Millennial workforce had already surpassed the Boomers in 2014.
1. Create a communications plan for the multi-generational workforce.
With such a diverse workforce, there is no one-size-fits-all method for an internal communications plan. The most effective solution is to develop a plan that includes multiple communication channels.
A multi-channel strategy allows employees to choose how they want to receive their information and when they want to view it.
2. Understand which communication tactics work best for each generation.
Each generation is motivated by different communication tactics. While Millennials are the primary users of social media, the internet and mobile access, Gen Xers want visual communications versus reading and tend toward short and simple instant messaging. Boomers prefer talking face-to-face or phone communications and want the details on important decisions.
Your multi-channel plan should include some of the following tactics:
– Town hall meetings
– One-on-one meetings
– Company intranet posts
– In-home mailings
– Webinars
– Microsites
– Podcasts
– Instant messaging
– Text messaging
– Emails
– Video conferencing
– Blogs
– Social networks such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram
– Internet bulletin boards
– Video presentations
– Brochures
– Newsletters
– Infographics
3. Use technology to enhance internal communications.
Using social media channels to engage and communicate with employees is highly effective and should be an essential part of your communications plan. Plus, social media allows two-way communications while making communicating easy, fun and engaging for employees.
In addition to social media, consider using a mobile app.
Mobile apps are becoming very popular as well as a high-priority communications and engagement tool. A mobile communication app like Sparrow can integrate with an existing Intranet, is easy-to-use and users can register securely with their personal email address. Sparrow can provide instant communications to the entire workforce 24/7. Sparrow will also allow you to measure the effectiveness of your communications and allow users to collaborate and make comments. Finally, most mobile app licensing is far less expensive than email licensing. So you can securely connect the entire workforce for a lot less.
It’s time to get your multi-generational workforce connected and engaged. Eliminate the communication barriers and acknowledging the generational differences and you’ll have happier customer, employees and a more profitable company.
BrainXchange 