Bridging the Generation Gap: Why Uniting Age Groups is Vital in Today's Workplace

Growing up as the youngest sibling in a family of four, with a 14-year gap between me and my oldest sister, engaging with people much older than me always felt natural. My father was already 50 when I was born, so I quickly learned the value of communicating across generations. This exposure in my early years taught me how valuable the different experiences and perspectives are that each age group bring to the table.

However, after 20 years in the workplace, I now realise that not everyone shares this comfort and ease when it comes to cross-generational communication. And it is starting to feel even more pronounced. In today’s world the gap seems to have widened, with younger generations facing unique challenges that have shaped the workplace forever and older generations working and earning longer than ever before.

Take my own experiences, for example. I remember my father sharing stories of his work life, where personal relationships that ‘clinched the deal’ were the norm. Contrast this with my oldest sister who transitioned from memos and faxes to the web, emails and social platforms in her workplace.

Meanwhile, my own career has been shaped by rapid technology advancements, meaning I’m constantly learning to adapt to new tools and ways of working. And it’s very different again for my nieces and nephews in their late teens. They’re nervous about job stability, the prospect of entering the hybrid workplace and what that means for their careers and development.

With this in mind, we are also navigating through a time that feels like another industrial revolution, with technological advancements and global challenges constantly reshaping the way we work and live. In such a volatile environment, it’s easy to focus on what divides us—age often seeming to be a significant and divisive factor.

Younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, have grown up in an era dominated by digital communication. The pandemic further exacerbated this shift, making face-to-face interactions even less common. This reliance on technology has shaped different communication preferences and comfort levels across all age groups. With ageism cited as the biggest form of discrimination in the workplace, it feels like it’s more important than ever to bridge these generational gaps, particularly when everything else seems so unsettled and uncertain.

Haven’t we’ve always had age diversity in the workplace? Why does it matter now?

For the first time in history, we have five generations working alongside each other. This means we will see 19 year-olds working alongside those in their 70s or even 80s! From Baby Boomers to Gen Z, every generation has different skills, experiences, and viewpoints. When we see and embrace these differences, we can create a more dynamic, innovative, and resilient workplace.

Here’s a few thoughts on why it matters:

1. Different generations bring varied life experiences and approaches. Diversity of thought and expertise can spark creativity and innovation when generational diversity is welcomed at work.
2. The pandemic saw many older employees leave the workforce, meaning many industries are experiencing a significant knowledge gap. Older employees can mentor younger ones, sharing industry insights and expertise. Conversely, younger employees can introduce new ideas and approaches, ensuring businesses stay current and future focused.
3. Teams of mixed ages are able to approach challenges from multiple angles, combining the wisdom of experience with the innovation of youth. These views can transform difficult problem-solving.
4. A workplace that actively seeks out and values contributions from all age groups creates a culture of respect and inclusion. This environment can lead to higher employee satisfaction and better retention rates.

On a personal level, I've seen the benefits of multigenerational interactions firsthand. My ability to communicate with people of all ages has supported me through my personal and professional life. But there's also a much bigger picture.

In a world where change seems to be constant, being able to embrace and empathise with all colleagues can help us tackle issues together. We have a great opportunity to blend traditional and modern approaches and, ultimately, create more inclusive and effective ways of working. It's about recognising that while our ages may differ, we can appreciate our different skills and experiences across generations and build a better workplace for everyone.

Working for a creative agency means I understand the power of effective internal communication in bridging these gaps. In my experience, most multigenerational challenges can be solved with better communications. Colleagues can ask questions of each other and be more inquisitive. Employers can encourage better and more inclusive ways of working. And managers can help drive out age biases and stereotypes.

By creating an environment where respectful communication is encouraged, businesses can break down barriers, build stronger teams, and ensure that people of all ages feel trusted, valued and heard.

Reflecting back on my own family, it’s clear how these principles apply. Wisdom, adaptability, experience and fresh perspectives all bring unique value to our family life, but we’ve had to learn how to communicate well to understand each other better. By learning this same spirit of communication and respect within the workplace, we can create environments where everyone feels able to contribute and thrive, regardless of age.