MEDIA RELEASE
Multi-Generational Workforces Give Business Competitive Advantage
New research by Randstad New Zealand reveals that businesses who embrace age diversity are more agile when it comes to
problem solving, creativity and idea generation
New Zealand, 22 August – 2018 – With the NZ Government predicting that a quarter of New Zealand’s workforce will be aged
55 or older by 2020 it seems Kiwis are more than willing to embrace age diversity at work and New Zealand businesses are
reaping the rewards. In fact, according to Randstad New Zealand’s latest Workmonitor findings, 88 per cent of Kiwis
preferring working as part of a multi-generational team (i.e. 10-15 years difference in age). Not only that, 83 per cent
of us believe that companies with age-diverse workforces are better placed to come up with innovative ideas and
solutions. So, does age no longer matter in the workplace?
Nan Dow, Executive Practice Director of RiseSmart Australia and New Zealand – a Randstad company, said that given we are
working in a more complex workplace environment, with many businesses managing up to five generations of workers,
there’s much to be gained by striving for a workplace culture that brings out the best across generations. “These
generational differences are quite literally the ‘future of work’ and having such a rich and diverse talent pool can be
a huge advantage for businesses. In order to create a positive culture that gets work done, businesses need to encourage
employees to look beyond preconceived stereotypes and bias.”
While most industries are on board with age diversity at work, the report revealed that some sectors are well ahead of
the ‘curve’ when it came to embracing a multi-generational workplace. Right now, the industry sectors leading the
age-diversity charge are ‘general business’ (95 per cent) followed by education (95 per cent) and construction (92 per
cent).
Dow continues, “Findings showed that 85 per cent of Kiwis believe that collaboration between different generations is
mutually beneficial. Industries and customers are diverse, so having an employee base that reflects the end customer and
can relate to their needs is obviously a competitive advantage to any business.”
However, when it came to communication among age diverse workers, the main difference when working in a
multi-generational workplace was communication styles.
Randstad New Zealand Country Director Katherine Swan comments, “Our study found that 75 percent of Kiwis believe the way
we communicate is one of the biggest differences within multi-generational workforces. An example of where we see this
is during the recruitment process. Most people forget their target audience. Different demographics should be aware of
contrasting communications styles that are expected and appropriate within the workplace, this includes different
formats, media, regularity of communications and appropriate terminology.”
Interestingly, it was Millennials (Kiwis aged 18-34) who struggled most, with 38 per cent finding it difficult to
communicate with coworkers not from their generation, compared to their older counterparts with only 13 per cent of
Generation X and Baby Boomers (Kiwis, aged 45-67), citing the same concerns.
Swan continues. “To help overcome this challenge that will resonate with the intended audience, having an industry
expert or mentor review your CV and conduct a mock interview with you will, help prepare you to present yourself in an
authentic and appropriate way.”
When it comes to career progression opportunities, mature age can be seen as both a challenge and an opportunity.
Currently, 56 per cent of Kiwis feel that younger employees have more career progression opportunities than the more
mature workforce. While almost half (48 per cent) believe the generations are treated differently by their managers.
Phillippa Powell, OD Advisor at Chorus said that when multiple generations collaborate on projects, it provides Chorus
with greater diversity of thought, unlocking creativity and different approaches to problem solving. “Having a diverse
range of ages also helps us to relate to our customer base. Millennials and younger employees provide new skills and
ideas which are essential in the telco industry as technology continues to evolve. Mature workers are also a highly
skilled and valued group of people. Their substantial technical and specialist expertise means they can share knowledge
and act as mentors for our younger workforce.”
Does age matter when it comes to leadership?
Although 86 per cent of respondents believe that their direct manager’s age does not matter as long as they’re
inspirational, 61 per cent still prefer that their direct manager is older than themselves. The majority of the
respondents (79 per cent) says their direct manager is talented at working across generations and 76 per cent state that
their direct manager cares about their career path.
If you want access to the full Randstad Workmonitor research report, please click here.
The quarterly Randstad Workmonitor
The Randstad Workmonitor & Mobility Index is published quarterly, covering 33 countries around the world, making both local and global trends in
jobseeker confidence and mobility visible over time. The quantitative study is conducted via an online questionnaire
among a population aged 18-65, working a minimum of 24 hours a week in a paid job (not self-employed). The minimal
sample size is 400 interviews per country, using Survey Sampling International. The New Zealand sample size for this
study was approximately 678 respondents.
About Randstad
Randstad is a global leader in the recruitment and HR services industry. The company's New Zealand business has been
supporting people and organisations in realising their true potential, helping find the best permanent and contracting
talent across industries and role tyes. Human connection is at the heart of the business. A personal approach, supported
by state-of-the-art technology, is what sets Randstad apart in talent acquisition. Randstad is uniquely Human Forward.
Visit www.randstad.co.nz to discover a new way to recruit.
About RiseSmart
RiseSmart, a Randstad company, is a leading provider of contemporary career transition services for organisations in
more than 80 countries globally. RiseSmart New Zealand is the culmination of Randstad’s acquisition of well-known career
transition company, Sageco. RiseSmart’s results-oriented approach to outplacement and redeployment combines holistic,
highly personalised services with proprietary, cloud-based technology for job seekers and mature-age workers in more
than 40 industries. For more information, visit www.risesmart.co.co.nz.
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