The multi generational workforce is here – now what?
“Transport affects all people and the sector should continue to adapt to ensure this range of experiences are being openly welcomed in shaping the workforce.”
There is frequent discussion around how much the industry and workplace patterns generally have changed following the pandemic, but less so about how there is a broader demographic challenge with the presence of multiple generations in the workforce compared to previous years.
A whitepaper published by Women in Transport together with the Road Haulage Association (RHA) highlights an insightful statistic that over 40% of workers in the UK transport and logistics workforce are nearing retirement in the next 10 – 15 years1. The research addresses the resulting structural challenges around an ageing workforce whilst also calling on the critical need to close the gaps in knowledge transfer and making the workplace appealing to a new generation of workers with different needs.
There is a range of factors that influence how effectively different generations work together, such as receptiveness to new technologies (yes, AI), progressive employment policies and manager skills training. Whilst I have only been working professionally in the industry for over five years, I can already see the impact that these are having on multigenerational teams. With mid-career switches becoming increasingly common and growing opportunities for apprentices and work placements, we seem to be at a point where there is greater diversification from a generational point of view.
However, we need to ensure these different perspectives are being valued by reducing hierarchical biases and creating spaces or forums within workplaces that promote intergenerational culture. The aforementioned whitepaper clearly sets out ‘eleven actions for a future-ready intergenerational workforce’ that provides very tangible steps that can be taken to both make advantage of but also celebrate the variety of minds we have in the workplace.
As the paper notes, “generational experience does not exist in isolation”, and I hope that opening up the discussion on generational differences can also complement how the industry addresses other demographic inequalities. Transport affects all people and the sector should continue to adapt to ensure these range of experiences are being openly welcomed in shaping the workforce.
