As the physio workforce spans four generations – bringing together varied working styles, priorities, and concerns. How do we manage these differences and use them to our advantage, especially for new graduates transitioning from university into the workplace, asks CSP professional adviser Kathryn Appleby
From campus to clinic: helping Gen Z thrive in a multigenerational workplace
Have you ever found your work style clashing with colleagues or educators from different generations? Maybe you have different views on professionalism – are jeans okay for an interview, or is a full suit still the way to go? Or perhaps you’ve felt worlds apart on issues like communication, workplace values, and career progression.
Which generation do you fit into, and do you identify with their key strengths, or the strengths of another generation?
Many graduates entering the physiotherapy workforce are part of Generation Z, a dynamic force characterised by tech-savviness, adaptability, and innovation.
They excel in fast-paced settings, advocate for diversity, and pursue purpose-driven work, poised to reshape modern workplaces. However, their experiences and opportunities may lead to conflicts and misunderstandings with previous generations.
So, what generational differences should both new graduates and those preparing to welcome them consider?
Graduates today prioritise work-life balance and protecting their boundaries and may shift emphasis in interviews toward what employers offer beyond salary.
Generational differences also extend to communication preferences, with Baby Boomers and Generation X favouring calls and face-to-face interactions, while Gen Z prefers digital methods like texts and emails.
Different generations define and experience success differently. Previous generations experienced singular, linear career pathways and valued financial success, whereas Gen Z expects to have a varied experience often as career ‘nomads’, with several different career pathways, often punctuated with breaks.
Different generations bring different skills and experiences, as well as values and expectations, and by leveraging these, we can build a more effective workforce better able to meet various patient needs.
Anticipating generational clashes could be the key to unleashing everyone’s potential. While multigenerational differences are just one aspect of workplace diversity, they should all be embraced.
Instead of shying away from friction, let’s harness it to ignite creativity and drive change. Reject the comfort of uniformity – actively seek out and learn from our differences.
Let’s use these top tips to fuel progress, not just aim for harmony.
Top tips...for embracing new graduates into a multigenerational workforce
- Think big: Explore and encourage non-linear career paths across all four pillars of practice. Challenge the norm and ensure flexible working implementation to meet today’s workforce needs.
- Communicate smart: Don’t stick to one style. Tailor your approach to who you’re talking to and keep communication clear.
- Define success: Reflect on what success means to you. Talk about it during preceptorship, supervisions and appraisals, and remember, everyone’s experiences and goals are different. Ask questions like, ‘What does success look like to you?’ and ‘What are you striving for?’
- Leverage strengths: Strive for opportunities to match experience with fresh ideas to unlock powerful combinations of wisdom and innovation. Seek two-way mentorship and be open to learning.
- Break stereotypes: Don’t assume every one of the same age has the same needs, values or expectations. Understand generational impacts but focus on individual identities and personalised approaches.
Professional advice team
The CSP’s Professional Advice Service gives advice and support to members on complex and specialist enquiries about physiotherapy practice, including professional practice issues, standards, values and behaviours, international working, service design and commissioning, and policy in practice.
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