Upgazet: Working together, growing together

Véronique and Céline are two pivotal figures within Upgrade Estate's Facility team. They represent different generations, but share one vision: working together pays off. In this interview, they share their take on generational differences in the workplace and how young and old reinforce each other in a dynamic working environment.

How do you experience generational diversity within the team? Are there differences in communication?

[Céline] Véronique is the oldest in our team, which consists mainly of people in their twenties. You can feel that in the enthusiasm and energy with which we work. We have a young dynamic, sometimes a bit impulsive, but that makes it lively. 

[Véronique] That enthusiasm is contagious. In previous jobs, I mainly worked with people who were counting down to retirement. That took the drive out of them. Here, it's different. I learn every day and feel challenged, even though I am the oldest. 

[Céline] Conversely, we also learn from Véro. She is a kind of resting point for us. When we go into overdrive, at such times she says something like, ‘Hey, take it easy, the building is not burning down.’ That helps us put things in perspective. 

[Véronique] We are complementary. You bring fire and speed, I try to bring calm and overview inside. That keeps each other in balance. 

[Céline] In terms of communication, there are clear differences, though. Younger colleagues are quicker to communicate via chat or e-mail. Many find phoning difficult, especially in a different language or if other people are present. You don't only see this with us, but more broadly in our generation. 

[Véronique] True. Young people reach for digital tools faster, but sometimes at the expense of personal contact. A short message is quickly sent online, but often lacks nuance. While a phone call can make just that connection. 

[Céline] We communicate briefly, quickly, almost telegram-style. 

[Véronique] With a GIF or emoticon attached (laughs). But I also see how these new ways of communicating have their place. The trick is to complement them with real contact.

How do generations influence each other across departments and company boundaries? What are your experiences with this?

[Véronique] I think professionalism and your attitude to life are more important than age or generation. What I do notice is that young people today are much more accustomed. This sometimes gives the impression that they are spoilt. They grow up in material wealth and therefore expect a lot, sometimes perhaps too quickly. 

[Céline] Sometimes generational differences are obvious, for example with tenants. Few students say anything directly face-to-face. If you meet them in a building, they usually remain silent. Only later do they report via the app. There seems to be a barrier among young people to communicate directly. Sometimes they expect something broken to be repaired the same day. If you work with external contractors, this does not always succeed immediately. It is not always obvious to draw the line between good service and realistic planning. 

[Véronique] For example, ‘The dishwasher is broken, so I can't keep the kitchen tidy.’ Whereas, of course, you can wash dishes by hand. That expectation that everything will be solved immediately is sometimes high. 

[Céline] With our young professionals, it's different. They tend to be older, show more understanding and can better assess what is feasible, also when it comes to associated costs.

Is this difference mainly due to age or is it really generational?

[Véronique] For me, this seems generational. At eighteen, your character is largely formed, I think. I have four children. When they ask me something, I often say, ‘Look it up.’ Of course I know the answer, but I don't give it right away. Searching by yourself encourages independence and problem-solving.

What do you think are the strongest qualities of younger and older colleagues? How do they contribute to the team and the organisation?

[Céline] Older colleagues are often more independent. Half a word is enough for them and they can quickly switch gears themselves. A second quality is their authenticity. They seem more self-confident. I myself am more easily influenced.

[Véronique] When you are younger, you want to belong to the group more often. You adapt more quickly. 

[Céline] I recognise that. On Fridays, when it's suggested to go for a drink, I have trouble saying ‘no’. Older colleagues have less trouble with that. They just say, ‘I'm going home’. 

At certain moments you come into conflict with yourself, and that forces you to reflect: who am I, where do I want to go? (Véronique)

Does that have to do with generation, you think?

[Céline] In my environment, the search for authenticity lives strongly: Who am I? What do I want? This openness is positive, but we also struggle with it. Everything used to be more preconceived. 

[Véronique] There used to be fewer frills. Becoming authentic is a process. Growing up, you sometimes have to break through boundaries you've been given from home. At certain moments you come into conflict with yourself and that forces you to reflect: who am I, where do I want to go? 

Looking to the future, how do you hope collaboration between generations in the workplace will evolve?

[Véronique] I find it valuable to work with different generations. You learn a lot from each other. The mix of young and experienced creates dynamism and stability. What we see just a little too little now is that older people are deliberately recruited. They can bring calmness and direction. 

[Céline] That experience is really an added value. We do a lot of things for the first time and then it is reassuring to have someone looking over your shoulder who has already experienced it.