Have you ever come across a situation where you felt like the “good ol’ days” were better?
Do you hear of older employees praising workplace structures/cultures back when they started out as more resilient, more personal than today?
In a diverse workplace where different age groups collaborate, “rosy retrospection” can be a tricky bias to navigate. This is a tendency to remember past experiences more positively than they might have been at the time. While this bias can make us nostalgic, it can also skew our thinking and interactions in the workplace, especially when employees from different generations work together.
Imagine an experienced employee fondly recalling the “good old days” of working without modern technology. They might remember this time as simpler and more productive, overlooking the challenges they faced. On the other hand, they may be discounting the benefits of working in a tech-first environment. This difference in perception can lead to misunderstandings and friction.
Rosy retrospection can distort the reality of both past and present, affecting team dynamics. When people view the past through rose-coloured glasses, they may resist adopting new ideas or technologies, believing that change is unnecessary or inferior. This resistance can hinder progress and create unnecessary conflict between generations.
So, what can you do about this?
Consider flipping the script on rosy retrospection.
Since biases are a common cognitive pitfall, it is quite likely that the preceding generation felt their ways, or their environment was somehow better. Taking a long-term view of things can help employees of an older generation to embrace change. Once older employees are open to change, they can blend the wisdom of their experience with the optimised ways of working today, bringing the best of both worlds to the workplace.
To mitigate the effects of rosy retrospection, it’s crucial to focus on objective evaluations of work practices and foster open communication. Encourage all team members to share their perspectives and experiences without judgement. Highlight the strengths of various approaches and seek ways to blend traditional and modern approaches.
While rosy retrospection can influence how employees of different ages view their work experiences, acknowledging and addressing this bias can help bridge generational gaps. By fostering an environment of mutual respect and open dialogue, workplaces can harness the strengths of all team members, leading to a more cohesive and dynamic work environment.