The Multi-Generational Workforce is Getting Real

With Summer and graduation season behind us, it’s more than official: Gen Z grads have entered the “grown up” work force. My own daughter Madeleine is among them. As a proud Gen Xer and three-decade veteran of the workforce, this makes me feel a bit, well, mature. Now that I’m working side-by-side with young women the age of my child, the notion of the multigenerational workforce no longer feels theoretical. It’s getting very real!?

We now have four distinct generations in the workplace—five if you count those stalwart “Silent Generationers” who are still employed—each with their own point of view, preferences, and talents. We hear about negatives a lot: the clash of different workstyles, the ugly stereotypes, the communication breakdowns, but I believe this is an incredibly exciting time.?

Young people are transforming companies for the better. They bring fresh attitudes, fresh skills, fresh energy…all the things that make work vibrant and interesting. Those of us who have moved well into the second half of life can learn what Gen Z wants in a workplace and move toward providing it. It’s how we’ll attract and retain the talent of the future and ensure that we have the raw innovation power we need to stay competitive. (On an episode of Catalyst Inc. ’s “Breaking with Tradition” podcast, Lucy Kallin and Victoria Kuketz Riddell spoke with Remington Bennett about this topic in depth. It’s a worthwhile listen).??

And Zoomers crave training and mentorship, especially around interpersonal workplace skills. We should look for creative ways to supply both. One suggestion on my list to try out is to create TikTok-style videos —and it’s just one of many fresh ideas to help Gen Z navigate the workplace while speaking their language!?

At the 2024 Catalyst Awards conference, we featured in one panel a Baby Boomer Mike Boyd , a Gen Xer ( Lisa Kirk ), a Millennial ( Ingrid Harb ), and a Gen Zer ( Na'kia Channey ), discussing how their generations can leverage their differences to work better together.

A few takeaways that resonated with me:?

-?????? You’re never too old learn and grow. Mike Boyd talks about how 30-odd years into his career he finally had the chance to work for a person of color—and the journey of reflection this sent him on.?

-?????? It’s never too soon to refresh your hiring practices. Nationwide created an inclusive hiring tool kit that’s made a huge difference for the company and for candidates.??

-?????? Sometimes leadership means letting others pass you by. Rather than focusing on the trials you had to go through at their age, be an accelerator for younger employees.???

As I think about what we have to do to advance women in the workplace, I’ve come to appreciate learning about what makes different generations tick. The more we understand each other, the more we can lift each other up.?