You likely have four generations in your workplace today. Surprisingly, the oldest Millennials are now 43 years old! Here are 3 tips to foster engagement across multiple generations, each with distinct work values, preferences and expectations.

1. Ask (don’t assume) what motivates them. Regardless of generation, have a conversation and ask, “What makes you feel most engaged and inspired at work? How much autonomy vs. collaboration supports your best work? How do you like to be communicated with? What are your hashtagstrengths, and how can we better utilize them in your role?”

2. Be aware of the common preferences and tendencies of each generation. Some of the latest data says:

GenZers (Ages 12-27) are committed to making a positive impact on society and the planet. Adept at using digital tools, they appreciate flexibility and the option to work remotely. They thrive in collaborative work settings that encourage teamwork, creativity, and open communication. Because they value authenticity, transparency and honesty, they appreciate both positive reinforcement and constructive criticism.

Millenials (Ages 28-43) thrive on frequent feedback and open communication. They are interested in continuous learning and growth more than security. They need to understand how their work contributes to the bigger picture and they want to be acknowledged publicly and frequently for those contributions.

GenXers (Ages 44-59) thrive on autonomy. They value efficient and direct communication and expect performance to be evaluated based on results. They are motivated by continuous improvement and skill-building results. They are motivated by continuous improvement and skill-building opportunities. Often they are loyal to people (colleagues and immediate supervisors) over a company.

Boomers (Ages 60-69) are motivated by promotions, titles, and tangible rewards that reflect their hard work and dedication. They prefer direct, personal communication over digital communication. They are accustomed to a hierarchical work environment and appreciate clear job roles, responsibilities, and regular feedback on their performance.

3. For all generations, encouraging collaboration is key to your team’s overall success. Mixed-gen teams that work well together leverage the strengths of every generation and every team member – and they outperform others. Gallup’s research says strengths-based teams have up to 23% higher engagement and 29% increased profitability compared to those who don’t.