On July 18, YW Boston held a webinar, “Polls, Politics, and People: Fostering Psychological Safety in Intergenerational Workplaces,” featuring expert panelists Olivier Aries, Ciara Gogan, Eric Nguyen, and Bukky Olugbemi, and moderated by Samatha Isabel Calero. During the hour-long discussion, panelists highlighted the importance of fostering a safe and inclusive work environment where employees of different generations can feel valued and heard. This focus is particularly crucial during times of heightened social and political tension, such as election seasons, which can amplify differences in perspectives and create stress in the workplace. 

Here are some key takeaways from the webinar: 

Navigating Intergenerational Dynamics 

The workplace is increasingly becoming a blend of diverse age groups, each bringing unique experiences, skills, and viewpoints. This diversity is a strength, but it also presents challenges, especially in maintaining psychological safety—a state where employees feel safe to express themselves without fear of negative consequences. 

Generational perspectives shape views on social issues and workplace behavior. For instance, younger generations, such as Gen Z and millennials, are often more comfortable discussing politics and social justice issues at work, while older generations may prefer to keep such discussions separate from professional settings. These differences can lead to misunderstandings and discomfort, especially during politically charged periods. 

The Role of Psychological Safety 

Creating psychological safety at work is vital for all employees, but it requires deliberate action from leadership. This involves not only fostering open communication but also ensuring that the workplace is free from toxic behaviors that undermine trust and inclusion. Leaders are encouraged to engage in “moments of truth,” where they give and receive constructive feedback, demonstrating a commitment to growth and understanding. 

Moreover, organizations should focus on building genuine relationships, acknowledging the anxieties and concerns employees may have about both internal dynamics and external events. This approach helps in creating a supportive environment where all voices are heard, and diversity of thought is celebrated. 

Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing 

Mentorship emerged as a key theme, with an emphasis on shifting from traditional one-way learning to a two-way exchange of knowledge. This approach not only benefits the mentees but also provides mentors with fresh perspectives and new insights. The speakers stressed the importance of mentoring systems that leverage the expertise of older employees while fostering growth among younger staff. 

This exchange is not just about technical skills but also involves navigating workplace politics, resolving conflicts, and understanding the broader context in which the organization operates. By adopting a strengths-based culture, organizations can move away from deficit thinking—where the focus is on what employees lack—towards recognizing and building on the existing strengths of all team members. 

Addressing Political and Ethical Discussions 

The discussion also touched on the delicate balance between political and ethical positions within the workplace. While organizations may aim to maintain neutrality in political matters to avoid alienating employees, they still need to be clear about their core values and ethical standards. This clarity helps in guiding employees’ behavior and creating a cohesive organizational culture. 

However, the speakers noted that completely avoiding political discussions is not always feasible or desirable, especially when these discussions intersect with employees’ personal values and lived experiences. Instead, they advocated for providing a “brave space” where employees can openly discuss differing opinions in a respectful and constructive manner. 

Moving Forward 

As organizations navigate these complex dynamics, the focus should remain on creating an environment where all employees feel seen, heard, and valued. This involves continuous effort in building psychological safety, promoting inclusive practices, and fostering open communication across all levels of the organization. 

Action items from the webinar include revisiting and sharing resources on fostering an inclusive workplace, enhancing mentoring systems, and improving leaders’ skills in giving and receiving feedback. By taking these steps, organizations can not only support their employees during challenging times but also build a resilient and inclusive workplace culture that thrives on diversity. 

The insights from this webinar serve as a reminder that while the challenges of managing an intergenerational workforce are significant, they also present valuable opportunities for growth and innovation. By embracing these challenges with a proactive and inclusive approach, organizations can create a more harmonious and productive work environment for all. 

You can watch a recording of the webinar here. 

Thank you to our panelists for lending their time and expertise to this important discussion. 

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This webinar is part of “Thriving Together: Building a Resilient Work Culture During Contentious Times,” an initiative dedicated to helping employers build a supportive workplace culture that empowers employees to navigate and thrive despite external pressures and internal conflicts—all through a DEI lens. Make sure to stay connected with us to receive guides, toolkits, and online resources that provide practical advice for fostering an inclusive and supportive work culture during tumultuous times.