Generations unite

Never before has the workforce included so many generations. Today’s workforce is made up of 35% Millennials, 33% Generation X, 25% Boomers, 5% Generation Z and 2% Silent Generation.

In a recent article by Rose Thomson, Chief Human Resources Officer at RELX, Rose cited intergenerational working as one of the big emerging people themes, and an often overlooked aspect of inclusion & diversity. RELX has a Generations & Age Diversity Employee Resource Group which helps ensure that we have a workplace where people of all ages and life stages are valued, respected and are able to thrive. The group empowers cross-generational collaboration and holds regular events and sessions.

Here we talk to some of our people across RELX on the theme of intergenerational working.

Generation Z (those born between 1997-2012)
Millennials (1981-96)
Generation X (1965-80)
Baby Boomers (1946-64)
The Silent Generation (<1946)

Pam Grabinski, Risk, USa

generation x

I am a Customer Operations Manager, leading a team involved with due diligence for commercial lending. I feel that Gen X brings a bridge to intergenerational discourse. We have the potential to be interpreters between the more analog technologies of the Boomers/Silent Gen, and the digital technologies and beyond of newer generations. We were born into analog, but have learned as newer tech has evolved.

What can we learn from working with other generations? Millennials and Gen Z are our allies in finding a good work-life balance. They challenge assumptions and ask “Why?”. They also speak from a more diverse background - being raised with the internet, they have a more global viewpoint.

Boomers and Silent Gen can speak from experience. They know history and can give us a longer view of how our culture evolves, as well as a foundation to build upon.

The best thing we can do to work across generations is come from a place of neutrality. Don’t prejudge ideas. Listen carefully and ask ourselves questions. What influences other viewpoints? How did these ideas develop? How can we integrate the insights of each generation into moving forward?

Pam's Generation X in three words: Independent, non-conformist and observers

Alex Mayger, STM, Netherlands

millennial

I'm Alex and I work as a Strategy Manager for Elsevier in Amsterdam. I originally joined RELX working in London and relocated last year to support Elsevier's academic leaders & funders segment.

I was born in 1995 so I am almost the "last of the Millennials". I definitely grew up associating with that generation but having a sibling and close cousins from Gen Z means I also feel connected with them in a lot of ways.

I think Millennials bring a can-do attitude to the workplace. I think we're great at seeking responsibility and looking to progress in our careers by proving our value. We grew up with so much technological advancement so I think we are very adaptable to varied situations. I also think we strike a good balance between work and our personal lives. I've always heard it said that Millennials find it difficult to establish boundaries, although I think that is something you have to learn to approach in your own ways. I think this is also something Gen Z do particularly good and that we can all learn from.

I find there to be many benefits of intergenerational working, firstly the experience of our proceeding generations helps you to consider scenarios in unfamiliar situations. I also just love the different perspectives/experiences generations have in everyday life.

Research shows that diverse teams deliver better results and ensuring they are intergenerational is just one of the many ingredients for that. I think showing awareness and being conscious of everyone's individual strengths and weaknesses is really important to ensure we get the best results, while always being nice to one another! We can all learn so much from one another, particularly if we keep a growth mindset. Every generation (and individual) has their specific strengths which we can look to learn from.

Alex's Millennial generation in three words: Progressive, tech-savvy and globalised

Jane Gibson, Risk, Uk

generation x

I am a journalist working as a Senior Editor at ICIS and a member of the Menopause Employee Resource Group. I’m a mum to a Tween and a 10-year old, and I belong to Generation X.

My generation brings experience gained in current roles, perhaps experience from previous careers, advice on how to juggle difficult periods in life and the awareness to keep rolling with the hand life deals you. How other generations see the world and engage with it may be different. It’s great to talk and discover what these differences are and how they can benefit our individual lives.

We can work best with other generations through open and honest communication and sharing experience. For example, talking about the menopause with other generations, and being open about symptoms such as 'brain fog' has made it much easier to ask for help when needed, from colleagues of all generations. Raising awareness has also opened up the conversation around this life ‘change’ for others and how they can support a spouse, a sibling, a friend or a parent during menopause.

There are the moments when you are talking about something and a younger colleague says "Ah yes my mum does that." You realise you could be the mum of your younger colleague and then think "how is that possible - I’m only 25 in my head…."

Jane's Generation X in three words: Self-reliant, resourceful and versatile

Gabriella Van Vuure, Risk, Netherlands

boomer

I am the agile coach of teams of engineers at Nextens, part of Risk. I'm responsible for processes such as reporting, coaching/guiding the teams, way-of-working and wellbeing (and my second title is ‘director of fun’: hackathons, tech summits, game nights and team events).

I’m at the end of the baby boomer generation (born in 1964). I don’t identify myself as a boomer, but who would? In my experience a lot of my generation is in the ‘sandwich’ generation: parents still alive, children growing up, having their own families now with grandchildren. These situations can create a lot of pressure and care in two directions. This was the same for me, although both my parents passed away last year, in their nineties already. My husband, grown up daughters, partners and grandson are a source of joy to me.

My generation can bring experience in life and work to the workplace. You can share these experiences if the situation requires it. That doesn't mean I have all the wisdom, certainly not. I have great admiration for my younger colleagues and their knowledge and experience and enjoy working with all of them.

The boundaries between work and private life have become blurred, especially compared to what it was like when I started working. Life itself and holidays have also changed. Much now is internationally oriented. Long-distance travel is now the standard, staying at home the exception. Most of my colleagues - even if they are half my age or less - have collected at least 10 times as many flying kilometers as I have so far.

The benefits of working with other generations are more important than differences - differences will always be there. Generations can inspire each other. Everyone can learn and keep learning, both personally and professionally. We can work best together by being willing to do so. If you resist it, you are really working in the wrong place. We can learn new points of views, and other thoughts and opinions on subjects.

I’ve had funny moments at work: When I realized my new manager was only one day older than my eldest daughter; Or when I appear to be exactly the same age as the parents of my colleagues. It’s about talent, not age. If you lose the flexibility to work along those kind of changes, it is time for a change or some solid therapy.

Gabriella's Boomer generation in three words: Health, wealth and happy

katie king, rx, uk

generation z

I began my career in the Corporate Communications team at RX at the age of 22. It was my first corporate job, and I was just out of university, terrified. Five years later, I still proudly remain with the same team, now working as the Global Digital Marketing Manager. I have learnt a lot and have a lot to learn!

In my opinion, I think GenZ brings a fresh and lively vibe to the workplace. We’re super tech-savvy, making us great at using the latest tools and platforms to boost efficiency and innovation. Plus, Gen Z really values diversity and inclusivity, often speaking their minds to create a more team-oriented environment. I would also say we have an entrepreneurial spirit and flexibility to help navigate the ever-changing modern workplace, driving progress and shaking things up.

I think mutual respect and flexibility are crucial when working with other generations. Judge colleagues not by their age, but by the quality of their work, their work ethic and their character. Embrace diverse work styles; if someone's producing excellent results, collaborate with them rather than micromanaging to conform to your own work preferences, let people thrive!

We can learn tons from other generations. The priceless wisdom, resilience and experience of older generations bring significant lessons, while the open-mindedness, tech-savviness and innovative spirit of the younger generation offer equally valuable insights. Combining the qualities from all generations creates a truly powerful workforce.

Katie's Generation Z in three words: Digital, inclusive and anxiety