Clash of the multi-generational workforce: Fact or fiction?

Theories abound regarding the gap that exists between the four generations who make up today's workforce and what they value in an employer. Conventional wisdom suggests that each generation's varying outlooks, beliefs and perspectives make it difficult to meet the needs of a wide range of workers.

Of course, each group has its own distinct characteristics based on its generation's life experiences. However, when it comes to work and what they seek in an employer, are their core beliefs really so radically different? Not according to the results of a new survey by Ricoh¹.

When it comes to generational differences, what was previously thought to be conflict is actually consensus: a desire to be more collaborative and create a corporate culture that actively demonstrates respect and inclusion for today's multi-generational workforce.

First, let's define today's generations who are working together:

• Baby Boomers: Born 1946–1964
• Generation X: Born 1965–1980
• Generation Y: Born 1981–1995
• Generation Z: Born 1996–Today

What's true is that for the first time in history, four generations — representing a wide range of ages — are working side-by-side. However, according to the data, which is based on a survey of 1,500 office-based workers across the United States and Canada, finds the generational divide in the workplace to be a myth.

According to the study, 71% of respondents find a cross-generational workplace to be an asset to a company and 76% of those same workers enjoy working alongside colleagues of different ages. It's no longer about just financial success. Workers from across the generations call on businesses to be a force for good and drive positive change in the world.

2. Flexibility is key

A multi-generation workplace contains lots of different preferences and perspectives that don't always follow generational lines. It's crucial to allow workers to move between the new and the old as it suits them. We developed our RICOH Always Current Technology for this exact reason. It's completely customizable to the changing needs of your business as users can download and install new applications, features and upgrades as they become available – without needing to replace or update the original device. This empowers your workplace to scale capabilities based on the latest needs of all your workers.

3. Foster the full potential of talented individuals

There's talent in every peer group. The trick is to seize and support it. This means allowing your employees to work however and wherever they're most productive. RICOH Smart Integration offers enterprise grade cloud-based document workflow applications, so businesses can enable workers to carry out tasks from any device in their home or the office.

4. Responsibility first

68% of workers across all generations agree the way the world does business will change dramatically. At Ricoh, we're taking action by supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including a commitment to reducing our CO2 emissions to zero by 2050.

As today's workplace demographic expands, it opens up more opportunity for innovation, collaboration and success. After all, we all have more in common than originally thought. As the multi-generational workforce unites, together, we're on the road to achieving great things.