Tips for Managing Different Generations at the Job Site

Managing and balancing the gap between the different generations working on a construction site can be extremely difficult, however, these challenges can bring great diversity in skill sets, and create a positive impact on your business. Here are a few tips to help you in managing different generations on your job sites:

It is important that you encourage mentoring among your workers. Older generation workers have great skills they can teach, and those from the younger generation have newer techniques they can show off. This helps to bridge the gap between generations and enforce working as a team.
Since technology is quickly becoming a necessity on the job site, it is a great idea to implement new technology and the training that goes with it. Your younger millennial workers will be able to help your older workers adapt and learn the new skill.
You must understand the different communication methods needed for your workers. While the younger generation prefers electronic communication, the older workers still want the phone call or face-to-face communication. Make sure that you accommodate each accordingly for the best results.
While every generation has different views on what is important, one thing remains the same – they want positive reinforcement for a job well done. Try to focus on the results, instead of the number of hours it takes to accomplish. While abiding by timelines are extremely important in the construction industry, staying within reasonable time limits is something that your workers (no matter their age) will appreciate.

Understanding the generations gaps between your workers is important to “keep the peace.” As one generation starts to concentrate on slowing down and retirement, the others will be concentrating on doing more and advancing. Learn to recognize what each want and you will have an easier time managing the variety of personalities and people on your job site.