For some, transitioning from in-office operations to remote work is seamless; for others, it’s an uphill battle. Organizations must keep in mind that the work-from-home experience is a little different for each generation.

“With baby boomers, Generation X, Generation Z, and millennials all coming together to adapt to remote work, examining the generation gaps in staff engagement remains crucial to organization successes,” says Brooke Hanshaw on TechSoup. “Particularly, different generations are having different issues.”

To make sure every generation feels comfortable and productive, organizations should take the time to understand each generation’s tendencies and level of technological literacy. For example, Hanshaw points out that since millennials are digital natives, they clash with older generations over issues such as communication and impatience. And while Generation Z values recognition for their work, Generation X is characterized as a more independent generation that doesn’t need micromanaging or constant approval.

With these points in mind, Hanshaw touches on the importance of a flexible work environment that allows for different personalities to thrive in their own ways.

“Focusing on the strengths of each generation and simultaneously bringing those focuses together is crucial to maintaining a productive environment at your nonprofit,” she says.
“Workplace flexibility and simple empathy, especially when it comes to remote meetings, make navigating this new work style easier on everyone.”

The Final Day of ASAE’s Virtual Annual Meeting

Some cool nuggets from former @Disney exec and @ASAEannual final keynoter @DuncanJWardle on how to break barriers to #innovation and allow the #creativity to flow! Creativity…ability to have an idea. Innovation…ability to get it done. #ASAE20 pic.twitter.com/YNtgPx4Qmq

— 西安修车资源 (@xiansexone) August 12, 2020

During the final day of ASAE’s Virtual Annual Meeting, attendees had the chance to hear from a number of experts, who discussed everything from combating loneliness through community to what the workplace will look like for associations in the future.

In addition, this year’s closing keynote featured Duncan Wardle, a design thinking and innovation consultant who worked previously as head of innovation and creativity at Disney, where he helped Imagineering, Lucasfilm, Marvel, Pixar, and Disney Parks create new stories and experiences. He talked about how association execs can break barriers to innovation.

Other Links of Note

Children can teach us about adjusting to remote work, argues Colin Johnson on the Zapier blog. He talks about how to collaborate like a kid.

If your 2020 vacation got canceled, it might be harder to stay motivated at work. The Next Web’s Yessi Bello Perez offers ways to stay focused and productive even when PTO plans change.

Struggle with personal questions during interviews? A recent post from The Muse explains how to answer questions like, “What are your hobbies?”

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