Clash of the generations – Challenges and solutions for meetings, workshops and team events

In today’s working world, different generations come together, each with their own values, expectations and communication styles. This “clash of generations” can make meetings, workshops and team events both challenging and enriching. By understanding and integrating the different values and expectations of each generation, you as the organizer can ensure that your events appeal to all participants and are successful.

The next generations evaluate the (working) world of their parents and grandparents and vice versa. But what does this mean for your conference, meeting, workshop or team event?

How Boomers, Gen X, Y and Z want meetings, workshops and events to run

Each generation has its own ideas and preferences on how meetings, workshops, conferences and team events should be organized. Here is an overview based on the latest research findings and general practical recommendations. This is followed by a practical case study.

Baby boomers (1946-1964)

Preferences:

• Structure and planning: Baby boomers appreciate clearly structured and well-planned meetings with a fixed agenda.
• Personal contact: They prefer face-to-face meetings and direct communication. Digital tools are less popular, although they are accepted.
• Hierarchy and formality:** Formal structures and hierarchical communication are important. Respect and recognition of the experience of older employees are paramount.

Examples:

• Regular status meetings: Clearly defined goals and regular updates are essential.
• Formal workshops: Content should be presented by experienced facilitators and supplemented by structured discussions.

Generation X (1965-1979)

Preferences:

• Efficiency and flexibility: Generation X prefers efficient meetings that start and end on time. Flexibility is also important to balance work and private life.
• Independence: They appreciate working on tasks independently and prefer a loose structure without too many rules.

Examples:

• Short, efficient meetings: Focus on decision-making and problem-solving.
• Flexible workshops: Combination of face-to-face and online elements to adapt to different working styles.

Millennials / Generation Y (1980-1995)

Preferences:

• Interactivity and collaboration: Millennials value interactive meetings that emphasize teamwork and collaborative brainstorming.
• Technology use: Digital tools and platforms for collaboration are very popular.
• Work-life balance: Meetings and workshops should be flexible and family-friendly.

Examples:

• Virtual meetings: Use of video conferencing and collaborative platforms such as Slack or Trello.
• Teambuilding workshops: Activities that encourage collaboration and creative thinking, such as outdoor meetings or skill-sharing sessions.

Generation Z (1996-2012)

Preferences:

• Technological integration: This generation expects seamless integration of the latest technologies in meetings and workshops.
• Short, concise meetings: Short, well-structured meetings that get to the point are preferred.
• Clear separation of work and leisure: They value a clear separation between professional and private activities and therefore prefer meetings that maximize efficiency and minimize overtime.

Examples:

• Micro-meetings: Short, focused meetings that cover specific topics in a short space of time.
• Technology-enabled workshops: Use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to create interactive and immersive workshop experiences.

Generation check: This is how Boomers to Gen Z want to experience their conferences

The BOOMER CEO wants a combination of expert content, networking and professional development opportunities, as well as comfort and convenience during the event. His focus is on the desire for respect for professional experience and skills as well as opportunities for personal development and reflection.

The GEN X-COO wants to use meetings and conferences as effective tools for professional development, networking and practical knowledge transfer. The focus is on quality, efficiency and the practical benefits of the event.

The GEN Y Manager (Millennial) also wants to use meetings and conferences as effective tools for professional development, networking and practical knowledge transfer. His focus is on quality, efficiency and the practical benefits of the event.

The GEN Z Team Assistant wants to experience events not just as a passive listener, but as an active participant. The focus is on personal development, networking and sustainable practices.

Of course, as with all generational considerations, this is a generalized and simplified list. The job titles are only assigned to the generations as examples and are of course not universally valid.

Challenges and solutions

But the supposed problem remains: How do you manage to give everyone what they want and need to make the event a success? At first glance, it seems difficult to get everything under one roof. At second glance, there are more than just a few points of contact. In our case study, the solution could be:

• Choose a location that is both comfortable and sustainable.
• Plan the program so that efficient presentations alternate with effective, practical breakout sessions.
• Integrate discussion rounds or brainstorming sessions wherever it fits thematically. Everything according to the motto: The head is round so that thinking can change direction.
• Create a “networking zone ” This can be more than the classic aperitif. There are no limits to the imagination. Anything goes, as long as it creates a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere in which everyone has space for authentic encounters.
• Integrating a team event or an “off-time”. The same applies here: anything but peer pressure.

The “clash of generations” represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Understanding and integrating the different values and expectations of each generation can enrich meetings, workshops and team events. With the right strategies, general differences can be bridged and the potential of a diverse workforce can be maximized.

Whatever your approach or challenge, we will help you find a suitable solution.

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