How to mind the generational gap in the workplace – Anne Rutledge Resourgenix

Demographic change is a pressing issue facing organisations today. Early retirements, coupled with what Harvard Business Review describes as a caustic blend of ageism and cost-cutting measures, led to many businesses prematurely parting ways with older workers during the pandemic. When these seasoned employees left, they took with them a wealth of institutional knowledge, expertise, and loyalty. Those who remained are now grappling with an influx of Generation Z employees who have entirely different skills and work expectations. This dynamic is further complicated by new work models, including hybrid structures and boundaryless assignments. So, how do we navigate these generational differences in the workplace? In an interview with Biznews, Anne Rutledge, the Executive Director of Talent Solutions at Resourgenix, emphasises the importance of companies understanding the generational composition of their workforce, what motivates these different groups, and how to retain them. Rutledge advocates for mentorship programmes that foster collaboration, enhance problem-solving skills, and help younger generations develop soft skills. Rutledge also offers insights on how workplaces can be redesigned where people can connect or take a break, how companies can deal with boundaryless assignments, data privacy and developments in AI in the recruitment process.