Harmonizing Workplace Communication with Strategies for a Multi-Generational Workforce

The diverse expectations surrounding work structure and communication among the five distinct generations currently present in our workforce represents a complex and often troubling issues within the workplace. These generational differences manifest in diverse norms concerning the demonstration of respect, the exercise of initiative, the follow-through on tasks, and the nature of social interactions. Navigating these differing expectations can present significant challenges and obstacles to effective collaboration and understanding.

This roundtable session seeks to offer a comprehensive framework for understanding the specific expectations and judgments that each generation brings to the workplace. Through a combination of active dialogue among attendees, and an examination of insights from thought leaders, we aim to establish practical and actionable strategies to understand employee needs and communicate effectively.

Session Organizers and Facilitators:

Erika Frank is the Vice President, Legal Counsel of the California Hospital Association.

Prior, Erika served as the Associate Executive Director, General Counsel and Section Chief for the California Lawyers Association.

Over her twenty-year career, Erika has utilized her legal expertise in employment and labor law to benefit the non-profit and private sector alike. When serving as Counsel at the Shaw Law Group in Sacramento, California, Erika advised the region’s employers about California’s complex employment laws, conducted impartial workplace investigations for public and private sector employers, and conducted seminars and training programs.

In any organization that she is a part of, Erika utilizes her skills to translate vision into reality. Paying special attention to organizational culture, structure, and human capital, Erika is able to maximize potential and achieve results that boards, stakeholders and members are proud of.  She holds a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and received her Juris Doctorate Degree from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. In her spare time, Erika enjoys spending time with her family, running the local trails, swimming laps in the pool, listening to the trending legal podcasts, and practicing mindfulness.  

Zoe Poteet is the HR Director at Textainer, a global leader in shipping container leasing where she manages all facets of HR with a specialization in employee benefits, employee relations, and systems management. Her diverse background includes leading HR functions at Berkeley Food and Housing Project, a non-profit dedicated to housing and veteran support, and working with Farm Fresh to You, an organic farming company with operations throughout California. Her ten years of industry experience and expertise enable her to drive effective HR strategies and create positive work environments.