Working Productively with Different Generations at the Construction Site

In today’s work environment, we are faced with the multiple demands of work load and responsibilities.  On top of that, we also need to ensure we work well with our colleagues.  In construction, this can sometimes prove to be a challenging task being involved with many groups and especially working with a wide generation gap.  Differences in opinion and methods can sometimes cause conflict and heighten stress levels especially when working on a job site where client deadlines are a priority.  We live in a fast-paced world where achieving operational excellence means working with a diverse team to combine the very best skillsets for business success.

Let’s review the qualities that each generation can bring to the big picture:

Traditionalists

Most people from this group have worked for one employer throughout their career.  This group is loyal, committed and are willing to work beyond retirement age.  Some, are also coming out of retirement and re-entering the workforce.  These individuals value the traditional methods of construction.  They pride themselves with quality output and are not afraid to work long hard hours.

Baby Boomers

This collective usually holds senior level management positions and comfortably oversee larger construction projects.  Like Traditionalists, they like to carve out the road map to productivity and enforce their leadership abilities.  They too, are willing to commit to working extensive hours on the job site and like to ensure the job is done right.

Generation X

Many employees in this bracket hold mid-senior level management construction roles.  They are adept in mentoring others and comfortable working on complex projects.  This group has benefitted from growing up with technology advancements that have defined the primary stages of the digital age.  They work well with tools, machinery, mobile devices and other technologies.

Millennials

Also known as Gen-Y, this group is in tune with the tech world.  Varying work schedules, remote and contract roles are what they have seen in the workplace.  They rely heavily on their devices for communications and work.  This group is also big on the environment, renewable energy and sustainable anything.  They want to preserve the world and will work on strategies in the construction workplace to create processes and procedures to uphold these values.

Generation Z

This emerging group of construction professionals relies on technology the most.  This collective is largely responsible for the gig economy.  They are all fully equipped with entrepreneurial flair and are great multitaskers.  This makes them ideal for apprenticeships and general labour projects.  Their love for all things “techie” makes them great administrators for a busy construction office also.

So how do we put this all together to create a balanced and harmonious work environment for everyone?  We all need to learn to get along.  An important factor to keep in mind is to not dwell on differences but looks for ways that can be positive for the team and overall business.