Multi-Generational Workforce Management in Healthcare
July 10, 2025
Like other sectors, the healthcare workforce is multi-generational, meaning workers from multiple age cohorts all work together. Take an emergency room, for example. You might find different age groups providing care, ranging from baby boomers with years of experience to Gen Zers just out of nursing school.
A multi-generational workforce allows various age groups to learn from one another, but it can also pose challenges. That’s why effective healthcare workforce management is key to improving operational efficiency and staff satisfaction.
Challenges of Managing an Intergenerational Workforce
Managing a healthcare workforce made up of multiple generations can be tough for these reasons:
Communication differences
Different age groups may have different communication styles. For example, Gen Zers are more likely to favor faster communication methods, while Generation X tends to prefer visual communication. Different communication styles can often lead to misunderstandings, which can potentially impact patient care.
Technological proficiency
Technological proficiency and adaptability may also differ between generations. Younger groups, for example, are often referred to as "digital natives," meaning they have an innate familiarity with technology because they grew up with it. Older generations have had to learn technological skills over time.
Differing values and motivational factors
Different generations may bring distinct values to the workplace. For example, baby boomers are often characterized as optimistic, competitive, and team-oriented. Motivational factors for work can also vary between age groups. Millennials, for example, are often driven by a desire for recognition and opportunities for interaction.
Resistance to change and generational bias
In a multi-generational workplace, resistance to change, particularly among older groups, can be challenging. Baby boomers and Generation X are more likely to view digital transformation as a disruption to established ways of working and perceive change as a loss rather than an opportunity.
Opportunities for Growth and Innovation
Despite these challenges, a multi-generational healthcare workplace can lead to organizational growth and innovation:
Diverse perspectives
Different age groups bring unique perspectives to healthcare, which may help teams improve problem-solving and make the workplace more innovative. For instance, a young nurse may be aware of new technologies that can help a patient.
Knowledge transfer
In a multi-generational workplace, generations can exchange knowledge and even mentor one another. By sharing insights and providing mutual support, a healthcare team can thrive.
Diverse representation
Patients who encounter professionals from different generations may benefit from a broader range of healthcare perspectives and communication styles, which can potentially lead to improved care. For example, an older doctor may be able to diagnose a condition that a younger doctor is unaware of because of their extensive experience.
Strategies for Effective Workforce Diversity Management
Managing generational diversity in healthcare can be a significant challenge. Here are some strategies to make this process easier:
- Tailor your communication: Consider adapting your communication style to suit the age group you’re addressing. This could involve sending texts to younger generations and having face-to-face conversations with older groups.
- Flexible work arrangements: Offering flexible working arrangements for healthcare staffing may be beneficial. Younger professionals with children may prefer working from home. Older team members, on the other hand, might appreciate flexible hours to pursue their hobbies and interests.
- Technology training programs: Older generations may be unfamiliar with newer technologies, so investing in training is often a good idea.
- Inclusive workplace policies: Regardless of your employees’ ages, create an inclusive work culture with policies that cater to everyone’s needs.
Examples of Healthcare Organizations That Successfully Manage a Multi-Generational Workforce
The Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) leverages age diversity and accommodates the different needs, styles, and expectations of each generation through employment engagement strategies.
In 2007, HCA Healthcare launched the Cultural Inclusion Series (CIS), a platform for informal diversity education that includes understanding diversity between generations.
Making Your Multi-Generational Workforce More Successful
Challenges such as technological proficiency and communication within healthcare teams can create misunderstandings that potentially impact work dynamics and even patient care. Therefore, you should assess your current staffing strategies in healthcare to make your multi-generational workforce more successful. This may involve reviewing your company culture, workforce training, and development programs, as well as utilizing technologies such as staffing management software.
If you need additional team members to improve your workplace for different generations, consider partnering with a staffing partner like Snelling. We deliver healthcare staffing solutions that can drive success. Start hiring now!