4 Tips for Connecting Generations in the Workplace
Building relations among five generations in the workplace.
Today’s work environment is unique in the sense that potentially five different generations will be working side by side: baby boomers, Generation X, millennials, Gen Z, and incoming Gen Alpha. Naturally, due to generational differences, some awkwardness can arise. In Korn Ferry’s Workforce 2025 report, 49% of Gen Z workers say communication and teamwork training is an issue with older colleagues. But only 27% of baby boomers think there’s a problem.
Moreover, 40% of Gen Z believe there is a technology skill gap among their older coworkers, while 24% of baby boomers think there’s a problem with their tech skills.
Adding Demographics
By 2033, nearly a third of workers over 70 may still be in the office, which overlaps with Gen Alpha’s workforce entry. As different generations begin to merge in the workplace, it’s important to understand the potential impact. Employees with managers who are 12 years or older than themselves are 1.5 times as likely to report low productivity levels, and nearly three times as likely to report being unsatisfied in their job.
Further supporting this, in the Korn Ferry report mentioned earlier, 37% of millennials state there is a fundamental clash in generational values at work, compared with 27% of baby boomers.
Simply ignoring these stats can decrease morale, increase turnover, and affect performance. Instead of letting generational differences fester, there are ways to enable employees to see eye to eye.
Bridging the Age Gaps
Here are some tips to enhance colleague relations:
1. “Skill Swap” Sessions
Consider hosting skill swap lunch and learns, which provides an opportunity for colleagues to swap skills, Q&A time for generations to ask each other questions, and mentoring options. It’s a good idea to pair senior leaders with younger employees to help nurture conversations.
2. Circular Mentorship
Traditional mentorship involves an older coworker advising younger ones on their careers. However, this type of knowledge exchange happens both ways. Experienced staff can share their wisdom, and the younger generations can share their insights into what’s trending.
3. What’s the Lingo?
Generational differences can often be found in linguistic interpretations. Is “EOD” the same for everyone? And does everyone use “ping” for “message me?” To prevent any miscommunications, executives will invite third parties to facilitate workshops to teach language differences and encourage inter-generational dialogues.
4. Embracing Newer Working Conditions
While Gen Z and Millennials are outspoken about purpose, autonomy, and work-life balance, these values are shared by all generations. Employers who adapt with flexible hours, remote options, and a people-centered leadership style gain higher engagement because this displays respect between the older leaders and younger employees.
