One of the most often cited problems in the workplace is communication between employees. Educators with the IowaWORKS Center in Carroll held a seminar earlier this week titled “Generations in the Workplace” to help people understand how to get their message across. Hector Garibay and Amber Casebeer led the discussion which had participants from almost every working-age generation. Garibay, who is a millennial, says it is never a good idea to assume a person’s preferred way of communication based on what generation they belong to.
In general, younger generations prefer communication through technology and older generation tend to favor more face-to-face interaction. One similarity across all generations is the use of social media. Younger generations tend to have a better grasp on technology, and Casebeer says employers can use this to generate relationships.
Millennials have a somewhat negative reputation in the workforce. Garibay says despite that reputation, millennials will make up a large portion of the nations’ workers.
IowaWORKS hosts a variety of other workplace related seminars every month. Garibay and Casebeer will presenting “Generations in the Workplace” again in mid-July. For more information on the event and when to register, contact Sheri Vaughn with Iowa Workforce Development at the address included below this story.
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