Intergenerational teams: how older and younger employees can enrich each other

With an ageing population and increasingly late retirements, the workplace is seeing employees of all ages, from the most experienced to emerging young talent. Companies must now address how to effectively connect workers from Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials and Generation Z to make the most of their diverse skill sets while avoiding potential mismatches.

Working in intergenerational teams offers huge potential for companies, but in order to fully exploit it, it is important to understand and address the challenges that arise from this arrangement. In this article, we will look at the challenges associated with working in these teams and also look at the benefits that these teams can bring if managed effectively.

Challenges in intergenerational teams

Communication differences

Different generations not only have different communication styles, but also specific preferences about how and where they communicate. The older generation often prefers face-to-face meetings or emails where they can express their thoughts in more detail. The younger generation, on the other hand, tends to prefer quick and efficient communication tools such as chat rooms or social networks. This different preference not only in medium but also in the use of modern slang or acronyms can lead to misunderstandings and ineffective communication.

Different corporate values

Another potential source of conflict is differing corporate values and motivations. Older generations may tend to emphasise loyalty and stability, while younger generations often prefer flexibility, rapid career development and work-life balance. These different priorities can create conflicts if we do not find common ground to understand them.

Technological skills

Technology plays a key role in the modern work environment, and differences in these skills between generations can be noticeable, making it difficult to work together as a team. While younger generations have grown up in the digital world and find it easy to navigate new tools, older employees may struggle more, which can lead to inequalities in productivity and efficiency. This problem can be addressed by providing training for employees with lower technological literacy.

According to a PwC study, up to 50% of Baby Boomers said they would appreciate more support in digital skills.

Opportunities for growth and intergenerational cooperation

Combination of experience and new ideas

One of the biggest advantages of an intergenerational team is the combination of valuable experience of older employees and new, often innovative ideas from younger colleagues. The older generation brings years of experience, knowledge of the company culture and strategic thinking, while the younger generation offers a fresh perspective, creativity and a willingness to experiment with new approaches.

Customer outreach

Different generations bring unique perspectives on the needs and preferences of customers from different age groups to the team, allowing the company to better target its products and services. This broad perspective can help create strategies that reach a wider audience, thereby strengthening the company's position in the marketplace.

Mentoring and two-way learning

Working in a multi-generational team creates opportunities for effective mentoring and two-way learning. Older employees can provide younger colleagues with valuable advice and insights gained throughout their working lives, including strategic skills, expertise and best working practices. In return, the younger generation can assist older workers in areas such as social networking, current industry trends, or modern work tools.

There is no need to be afraid, rather the opposite

Companies should definitely not be afraid to employ workers of different age groups, because age diversity in teams can bring opportunities that would otherwise remain untapped. Age is just one of the factors that influence the dynamics of the work environment. Connecting people of different generations offers the opportunity for growth not only for individuals, but also for the team as a whole, if properly supported.

Age diversity in teams can provide companies with opportunities that would otherwise go untapped.

Open communication

Companies should create an environment where all views are respected, regardless of the age of the employee, and where it is easy to share ideas and feedback. Practical steps can include training to improve communication skills or the introduction of regular informal meetings and team building where team members can openly express themselves and bond. Another step can be to unify communication channels within the company to avoid unnecessary chaos and increase clarity.

Suitable benefits for every generation

Organisations should be flexible and adaptable in their approach to the different needs of the generations, and their corporate benefits offering should vary accordingly. For example, allowing flexible working hours, teleworking or meal allowances can help meet the needs of different generations and increase employee satisfaction. Flexible working arrangements can contribute to a better work-life balance, which is often particularly important for younger generations.  

Proper guidance

However, the key to successfully bridging these different approaches is the right leadership, which must be able to not only address potential conflicts, but also to fully harness the power of diversity. Investing in the training of managers and leaders is therefore worthwhile, as they are the ones who can turn diverse approaches and skills into a competitive advantage for the company.