The Intergenerational Nursery
How our Team Leads are working together to bridge the generational gap in the workplace.
We have a very unique demographic here on our nursery team. Our employees range from recent high school graduates and young adults to retirees and grandparents. We have a broad mix of Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Z contributing to our workplace, and it’s opened our eyes to how people from different generational backgrounds can learn from each other and work together.
It’s a beautiful thing, having employees with different experiences and expertises come together and work to bring the nursery to its full potential! While some might carry biases and preconceived opinions of other generations, here at the nursery, our employees blend together and learn from each other’s outlooks and experiences. Two of our best examples of this are our Production Team Leads- Robin and Dylan. Although brought up generations apart, Dylan and Robin work so well together because they communicate openly with one another and strive to understand each other’s needs better. They view each other as equals when they work together. Robin and Dylan have admiration and respect for one another, and you can see the mutual respect in the way they interact. “She’s a beast,” Robin describes Dylan, “and I’d be lost without her here.” Dylan shared the same sentiment, “I don’t know what I would do without Robin! We work so well together and always make sure everything gets done.” Their generational gap only seems to strengthen their bond, and although they come from different backgrounds, their paths led them to the same place.
Dylan in her many forms!
Harvesting Ti for propagation, potting, stocking the veggie cart, and weeding.
Dylan joined Seascapes straight out of high school. A product of the Gen Z generation brought up during the pandemic, she has chosen a path many of her peers are trending towards: entering the workforce straight out of high school. “A lot of people in my generation view the traditional college path as unnecessary and costly, and by joining the workforce, I’m able to start saving money, gain experience, and become more independent.” While some of the older generations are under the impression that the younger generations lack work ethic, that’s not the case with Dylan. In her 3 years at the nursery, she has stepped up into leadership roles and works hard to set a good example for her colleagues. Dylan started taking on more responsibility when she agreed to head the veggie and herb production. She sources seeds, plants them, watches them grow, and carefully transplants them from seed trays into pots to stock our veggie cart.
Dylan took on even more responsibility when she was approached about becoming a Production Team Lead. The management team recognized her work ethic and willingness to learn and wanted to give her more opportunities for growth. She took on the role quickly and proved she was the right choice for the job! With her cohort Robin, she oversees the production team and guides her colleagues through maintenance and potting projects. Dylan delegates the nursery watering assignments and ensures everyone knows where they need to be and what they need to be doing. And she works right alongside them, leading by example. Dylan views her intergenerational workplace as a way to learn about people with different backgrounds. “This diverse workplace encourages everyone to get to know people from other generations, people you otherwise may not have the opportunity to bond with. It allows us to learn about each other’s backgrounds, helping us to better understand and respect one another.”
Robin and her coworkers working closely together.
Robin, a product of the Baby Boomer generation, uses her wisdom and life experience to guide her work. Robin joined Seascapes over 4 years ago and was an instant fit. She’s hardworking, reliable, and never expects recognition for her work (but always appreciates it when she does!). Before her time at Seascapes, Robin raised her daughters on Kaua’i while pursuing entrepreneurial ventures, like her health and fitness business. She’s never shied away from taking risks and following her passions. She now has grandchildren who are in their teens and twenties, but they are no match for her youthful spirit! “Young people energize me. I enjoy working with younger people because it challenges me to stay active!” Robin puts a lot of emphasis on her physical health. When she’s not at the nursery, she’s at home lifting weights or swimming in the ocean. Her goal is to stay healthy and in shape and to live well!
It was even a battle for management to convince Robin to accept a Lead promotion, and although at first hesitant, Robin saw where she could thrive in a leadership position and tackled her new role head-on. A natural leader, Robin makes everyone feel welcome and included on her team. She listens to people’s interests and finds tasks and projects that fit their strengths. She leads by example, rarely complaining and always willing to do the heavy lifting. Her work ethic is unmatched. If she sees a job that needs done, she’ll do it without hesitation. This past year, Robin took on even more responsibility by heading the nursery’s propagation operation. She has a thirst for knowledge and is always looking for new skills to learn and develop, and she loves teaching these skills to others.
Robin and Dylan ending their day with a friendly hug