Coach: How can I relate better to my younger colleagues?

Sometimes I think my younger colleagues are from another world. As a practice partner, I feel like I have to justify my decisions. Do you have any tips on how I can handle this better?

While assumptions risk stereotyping, there is definitely a difference between generations, and retaining younger workers takes effort and understanding on the part of older practice partners.

While I’m generalising, broadly speaking, the generation between 20 and 40, who make up the largest group in the current workforce, work best when there is trust and transparency, when they are inspired and engaged, and when they feel like part of a team. If you can’t meet their basic needs and provide the right work environment, they can quickly jump ship.

They expect their employers to prioritise, support, and invest in technology

This group grew up with technology. They can favour messaging apps over phone calls and face-to-face meetings, and they expect their employers to prioritise, support, and invest in technology.

Collaboration is a key tenet of work – one that may have been more difficult during the pandemic if it weren’t for their comfort with technology. Whether it’s through video conferencing or collaboration apps, this generation needs to feel engaged and part of the team even if they are at home.

Younger workers want to be heard, regardless of their level within a practice, and will respect the employer that gives them that ability. They are an ambitious group. Give them the path and the rules, and they will work hard to achieve their own and the business’s goals. Alongside this, younger employees crave a balance between their work and personal lives. Don’t we all?

Those at an earlier stage in their career also value opportunities to learn more, and seek mentorship from those who came before them. Practices that provide opportunities for ongoing education and mentorship will likely do a better job of retaining workers than those that don’t.

AJ Coach Matthew Turner is an architect and careers consultant who runs the Building on Architecture consultancy. Email him in confidence at hello@buildingonarchitecture.com