Improving cooperation between different generations of employees is a never-ending HR issue. The younger generation lives more comfortably in a virtual world. The older generation has more work experience, but the mind set of its representatives is not as flexible. Neither wants to hear any pearls of wisdom from the other... The situation, however, does not have to be so black-and-white. If you're looking for inspiration on how to bridge the generation gap between your employees, read the following practical tips from TLNT.com.

Try reverse mentoring

Do not only assign older mentors to younger employees, try it both ways. You can read some recommendations for reverse mentors in our recent article: 5 tips for reverse mentors.

Let new employees become trainers

Usually, initial trainings are prepared for younger workers entering the company by older workers. Why not to try to ask your newcomers to teach your older employees something they are good at? They can, for example, organize a training on social networks.

Focus on team diversity

Start with recruiting. Use recruiting to ensure that members of your teams come from different backgrounds, have different experiences and different interests. Teams composed of different generations will work better than by separating age groups.

Try changing of desks

This simple solution has already been proven in many companies. Just ask your team members to rotate desks regularly. Mix the generations so that everyone can interact with all their colleagues.

Promote communication within teams

Teach managers ways of increasing communication among colleagues. It means, instead of only formal meetings, allow them to get up from their chairs and go discuss matters they are dealing with currently with their colleagues. Spontaneous communication brings people closer together.

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