Bridging Generational Gaps

As we experience a boom in retirement of state employees, it is important to realize that we are not alone. This is an issue of time not sector. The key to a smooth transition for those remaining in the workplace is to ensure that their skill level is high and comprehensive. In order to employ successful transitions we must give forethought to knowledge transfer on a continual basis. An effort to initiate dialogue around skills or work ethics and overcoming generational gaps will help expedite the process of knowledge transfer. The issue lies with the actual skills sharing not the exiting employees, according to the newly released World of Work survey commissioned by Ranstad. Workers from generations X and Y look forward to conversing with others regarding career path and development. Tenured career employees want to share the skills and knowledge they’ve gained with those that value it. The reality is 51 percent of baby boomers and 66 percent of traditionalists say they have little to no interaction with their Generation X or Y coworkers, according to Ranstad’s survey.  Some companies have launched peer mentoring for its younger generation employees through different training programs, such as future senior leaders plan and designing a set of competencies that model behavior.

Some of the Hay group’s best practice recommendations for equipping remaining staff include:

• Defining critical jobs or roles, understanding unique requirements of those roles, targeting the talent needed and developing accordingly.
• Developing a succession plan by matching the required jobs and management thereof; have a strategy for preparing employees for key roles at an accelerated pace, especially senior leaders.
• Creating career paths for employees with high potential and high value, so the most talented employees have an achievement plan before them.
• Offering training and development programs in order to foster an environment of rapid learning; implementing a knowledge transfer program.
• Fostering an engaging and motivating environment, that people want to be a part of, while driving strong performance
• Pairing new employees with a peer mentor or steward at the onset of employment (onboarding)  

Thoughtful capture of the wealth of knowledge that valuable, experienced, professionals maintain throughout their careers is essential to the success of thriving organizations.

To find out more check out: http://www.shrm.org