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Saturday, April 13, 2013: 9:00 AM
Learning Objective 1: At the conclusion of this presentation, the attendee will be able to compare unique work characteristics among Veteran, Boomer, Generation X, and Millennial generations.
Learning Objective 2: At the conclusion of this presentation, the attendee will describe at least two leadership strategies to create inter-generational synergy on a nursing unit.
Nursing leadership in today’s healthcare environment is experiencing the unique phenomenon of four distinct generational cohorts working together side-by-side. A lack of understanding regarding these generational differences can contribute to conflict within working relationships, lower productivity, and increase turnover. The purpose of the study was to review literature and examples of practice to determine best practices in facilitating intergenerational synergy in the workplace. The synthesis of the literature on challenges, benefits, and leadership strategies related to successfully managing a multigenerational workforce will provide a nursing leader with tools to help manage and lead an age-diverse staff. The four generations of Veterans, Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials are known by different names, but the characteristics within each generation remain the same. Each generation is different from the next with a unique set of attitudes and beliefs based upon past life experiences. These differences can bring richness and strength to the work team, but they can also result in conflict and stress. A key to thrive in this environment is for managers to first raise awareness about themselves and members of the other generations. Leaders who use generational information to tailor their leadership efforts create more effective work environments. This requires that leaders learn how to accommodate and leverage all four generations in effective, meaningful ways. Understanding what makes each generation tick is critical to create an environment that fosters intergenerational synergy. Organizations that are highly successful at managing recruitment and retention in the multigenerational workplace have adopted the following best practices: workplace culture assessments, employee retention practices, flexible benefit options, pay-for-performance compensation, and training on generational diversity. Successful strategies for coaching and motivating, communicating with, and reducing conflict for each generational cohort are also discussed.