HUNTSVILLE, AL – October 2022 – A quick internet search yields a myriad of business advice on how to navigate the challenges of a multigenerational workforce. While it appears that many companies are struggling with topics from fostering collaboration to managing and engaging teams of varying ages, others seem to be adapting seamlessly to the change.
One such company embracing the unique benefits of a multigenerational workforce is Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation (INTUITIVEⓇ). Companies like INTUITIVE recognize the value of a diverse workforce that includes people with different experiences, skills, perspectives, and insights. Because INTUITIVE is committed to being the leading systems, technology, and management solutions provider in the industry, it’s important to remain at the forefront of technology while maintaining a deep bench of experience and expertise.
Here are just a few of the ways INTUITIVE is taking full advantage of the wide range of age and experience in its workforce:
Cutting Edge Technology – Team members who have recently finished school bring to INTUITIVE a great understanding of the technology that continues to drive much of the company’s innovation. Pete Walton, a Senior Electrical Engineer in electrical analysis and design work says, “It seems like technology changes practically every day. The newest team members are up to speed on latest and greatest, and they know a lot more about that technology than I do.” Meanwhile, Walton brings his own extensive set of unique skills and experiences.
Industry-Specific Experience – Long-term INTUITIVE employees like Walton add a level of in-depth knowledge that serves as the counterpoint to the company’s innovative approach. “I know military electronics and requirements, for example, that are needed to design for military applicable components,” said Walton, who was one of the company’s first 20 employees. He adds that by blending traditional knowledge like this and other ideas from multiple generations, INTUITIVE remains innovative.
Wide Ranging Ideas – The range of experiences across INTUITIVE’s teams mean that each member brings their own questions as ideas to the table. Not only that, but according to Jordan Mills, “Newer employees are actually encouraged to be curious and question things. We have the opportunity to learn how things are done and even question whether they are being done in the most efficient or productive way.” Mills joined INTUITIVE in 2019 as a Model-Based Systems Engineer after earning her Master’s degree.
Better Decision-Making – Diverse groups of employees pull from a wider range of sources and experiences. That can help them make more educated decisions, leading to better results. Diverse teams make better decisions than non-diverse teams up to 87% of the time, according to one study. These teams also process facts more carefully, which is a significant factor in making smarter, data-driven decisions.
One of the most significant advantages of a diverse workforce is that employees tend to feel more comfortable and satisfied in inclusive environments. They also tend to be more loyal and are more inclined to stay longer at companies where their unique contributions are recognized and respected. But what makes a multigenerational workforce work?
Collaboration – Working together is key to any workforce, but genuine collaboration – sharing ideas, building on one another’s contributions, problem-solving across teams – is critical to a successful diverse workforce. Walton calls collaboration at INTUITIVE “really good,” adding, “We can help newer team members learn the business, and they bring new and different perspectives. It’s good for all of us.”
Mills agrees, noting that in her area of expertise, INTUITIVE has people from across several engineering disciplines. “We are all bringing the perspective of our own discipline, so it’s very collaborative. Plus we have people on the team who have watched the evolution and expansion of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) over the past decade, so they can share that invaluable experience.”
Connections – Personal connections are also key drivers to an engaged and collaborative workforce, and INTUITIVE creates opportunities for those connections both inside and outside the workplace.
“There is a big push toward mentorship,” said Mills, who recently participated in the company’s ELITE Emerging Leaders program. “The mentorship motto – ‘Have one, be one’ – really helps to ensure that we are bringing multiple perspectives and giving young people a voice in the organization.”
Walton sees that mentorship and talent-fostering as part of INTUITIVE’s commitment to the future. “If you’re going to grow as a company, you have to hire younger people and have older people mentor them and keep things going. It is definitely the standard here.” The culture at INTUITIVE is all about collaboration and innovation, according to Walton, and having multiple generations on teams maintains a constant flow of new ideas and new energy.
That personal connection also extends beyond the workplace by design, as INTUITIVE has added Interest Groups within the organization to help employees get to know one another. Mills started one herself dedicated to a shared love of all things coffee.
“The interest groups have been a great addition in the past year. Employees are able to make informal connections on topics that interest them – book clubs, tennis matches, or something as simple as coffee,” said Mills. “Then they can get together to engage outside of work to discover those shared interests. It can be in person or online; it’s entirely up to the interest group itself.”
Working with people who are decades older or younger is perfectly normal at INTUITIVE, according to Walton. “It’s just how things are here. It’s refreshing for all of us as working people who bring different perspectives and ideas to the table. And the enthusiasm is contagious.”
Making the Right Move – If the current job market has you looking for a place to establish a long-term career, consider joining an organization committed to employee success as well as ethics, diversity, and giving back.
From the smallest task to the largest implementation, INTUITIVE takes great pride in its reputation for service excellence and for keeping its commitments. The company is also committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and doing business with diverse suppliers.
INTUITIVE’s success requires the full and active participation of all its talented and committed employees. Embracing individual uniqueness brings creativity and vitality to INTUITIVE, and by fostering an atmosphere of acceptance and support, the company is able to fully value and appreciate the strengths afforded by the differences, styles, ideas, and organizational contributions of each person.
If you’d like to become one of the innovative, empathetic problem solvers committed to giving back to the community, explore INTUITIVE’s available positions by clicking here.
ABOUT INTUITIVE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION:
INTUITIVE® is an aerospace engineering and analysis firm headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama that provides production support, software and systems engineering, programmatic support, product development, rapid prototyping, and technology management to the Department of Defense, other State and Federal Government agencies, and commercial companies. Our approach couples the latest technology with engineering expertise, analytical proficiency, and keen managerial oversight. From design through production to sustainment, we proudly provide management and technical solutions throughout all phases of the system’s life cycle.