Aug
10
Written by:
host
8/10/2010 8:53 AM
Today many hospitals are continuing to grow and expand the offered services and amenities. Hospitals are not only providing patient meals but also a food venue for staff, customers, and visitors. Most of the modern food service facilities include multiple food and beverage outlet options including cafeterias or cafes, coffee shops, and even robust catering services.
Additional food options on property means additional staff. Healthcare is one of the fastest growing occupations, and today hospital management is faced with the challenge of hiring staff not only to diagnose and treat patients but to also keep the hospital running smoothly.
New staff members often bring with them a new set of challenges. As the generational gap widens, you need to embrace and be proactive with your management approach for both younger and older employees.
Here are some recommendations and resources to help manage your younger employees:
- Communication:
Younger professionals are savvy with various communication platforms.
Be proactive and try to learn and understand platforms like texting, Facebook, and Twitter. This will help you understand how they want to process information, when they receive it and at what volume. - Listen and apply:
Many times a fresh set of eyes can help identify ways to help improve the organizations efficiencies. Establish a system where employees are encouraged to identify issues and submit solutions, they will feel they are taking a more active role within the organization.
When working with an older workforce, keep in mind the following:
- Don't get defensive:
If an older employee makes remarks that are condescending or negatively discuss the age difference between you and them and/or younger employees, instead of getting defensive try to see what brought the comment about. Listen. Think. React. Sometimes management tends to be more sensitive to the age difference than the older employees themselves. - Welcome their wealth of experience:
Instead of thinking of your older employees as a threat to your credibility, try to see them as a valuable resource. Good ideas come many places; try not to dismiss an idea before you think it through. The will demonstrate and foster
and help create an effective work environment.
There are no shortages of great resources to help you manage and connect with a multi-generational staff. With some sound planning and extra effort, you can help bridge the generational gap, create a cohesive workforce, and work environment.
Bottom line: Remember that your staff will be watching you as an example of how they should conduct themselves. If you work to create an environment that fosters teamwork across generations, your employees and you are sure to reap the benefits.
How are you effectively managing your younger staff? Share some of the biggest challenges you face managing your multi-generational staff?
Alluserv Team