Malta’s Workplace Generation Gap: Unwritten Rules and How to Bridge Them
Picture this: you’re in the heart of Malta’s bustling Republic Street, the sun’s heat reflecting off the historic buildings, and you’re trying to figure out why your new, fresh-out-of-university intern keeps asking if they can work from the café across the street. Meanwhile, your seasoned employee, who’s been with you since before the Three Cities’ skyline changed, rolls their eyes and mutters, “Kids these days…”
Unwritten Rules: The Hidden Barrier
The workplace generation gap is often an unwritten-rules gap. Rules that aren’t explicitly stated in the employee handbook, but are deeply ingrained in our work culture. In Malta, where our workforce spans multiple generations, from the Silent Generation to Gen Z, these unwritten rules can sometimes cause more confusion than clarity.
Take, for example, communication. For the Baby Boomers and Generation X, who grew up in an era where letters were the norm, emails are still the preferred method of communication. They see instant messaging apps like WhatsApp or Slack as intrusive, preferring the formality and record-keeping of an email trail. Meanwhile, Millennials and Gen Z, who’ve grown up with instant messaging, find emails slow and cumbersome, preferring the immediacy and informality of a quick chat.
Malta’s Multigenerational Workforce: A Strength, Not a Challenge
Malta’s workforce is a rich mix experiences, skills, and perspectives. According to the National Statistics Office, as of 2021, Baby Boomers make up about 20% of our workforce, Generation X around 35%, Millennials about 35%, and Gen Z is just starting to enter the job market. This diversity is our strength, but it also means we need to be mindful of these unwritten rules.
Consider the dress code. In many local offices, especially in the corporate sector, the dress code is still formal. Yet, for many younger employees, the idea of wearing a suit or formal dress to work every day is outdated and uncomfortable. They prefer a more casual, flexible dress code, which they see as more reflective of our modern, dynamic work culture.
Bridging the Gap: A Call for Open Communication
So, how do we bridge this gap? The answer lies in open communication. We need to talk about these unwritten rules, make them explicit. We need to understand that what’s ‘normal’ to one generation might be alien to another. We need to create a work environment where everyone feels comfortable asking, “Why do we do it this way?”
For instance, instead of assuming everyone knows how to use the office’s project management software, let’s have a training session. Instead of expecting everyone to know the office’s preferred communication method, let’s have a team meeting to discuss it. Instead of leaving dress code to individual interpretation, let’s have a clear policy that reflects our company culture.
Remember, every generation has something unique to offer. The Silent Generation brings wisdom and experience, Baby Boomers bring a strong work ethic, Generation X brings adaptability, Millennials bring tech-savviness, and Gen Z brings a fresh perspective. It’s our job, as employers and colleagues, to create an environment where everyone can bring their best selves to work.
So, next time you find yourself wondering why your intern wants to work from a café, or why your senior employee is resistant to using Slack, remember, it’s not about resistance to change, it’s about different expectations. And that’s okay. It’s all part of Malta’s multigenerational workplace tapestry.
