Managing Tips for a Multigenerational Workforce: From Baby Boomers to Gen Z

What is a multigenerational workforce?

A multigenerational workforce includes workers from multiple generations who bring different experiences, values and perspectives to the workplace. Historical events, cultural shifts, societal norms, parenting styles, technology and more help shape workers in various generational cohorts. While members of a multigenerational workforce may share similar characteristics, their work styles and expectations often differ.

What generations are currently in the workforce?

As of 2024, workers from four generations are active in the workplace: 

• Baby boomers
• Generation X 
• Millennials
• Generation Z

Each generational cohort has unique characteristics, values and outlooks. Familiarizing yourself with each generation can help you create a collaborative, productive workplace. 

Remember, these are generalizations. Employees are unique and you should treat your employees as individuals first and foremost. 

Baby boomers (1946-1964)

Baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, are the oldest generation currently in the workforce in significant numbers, comprising 15 percent of the United States workforce, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. They range in age from 60 to 78. Many boomers have retired or will soon retire, with the youngest boomers turning 67 (the age for full retirement benefits) by 2031.

Here’s what you should know about boomers: 

• The Vietnam War, the first civil rights movement and Watergate were significant world events that helped shape the baby boomer generation.
• Many baby boomers don’t have enough money saved for a comfortable retirement — some may work into their 70s.
• In terms of characteristics, boomers are generally known for:
• Being loyal to their employer
• Being self-motivated
• Having a strong work ethic
• Being competitive
• Being willing to make personal sacrifices for professional success

Tips for managing baby boomers

When working with boomers:

• Provide clear, specific goals and deadlines.
• Offer them mentoring opportunities where they can share their experience.
• Place them in settings that foster workplace teamwork.

Generation X (1965-1980)

Generation X, often referred to as “the middle child,” is the generation sandwiched between boomers and millennials; they comprise 31 percent of the workforce. Members of Gen X range from 44 to 59.

Here’s what you should know about Gen Xers: 

• Significant world events that shaped Gen X include the AIDS epidemic, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the invention of the internet and the subsequent dot-com boom. 
• Gen Xers are known for being:
  • Efficient
  • Direct in their communication style
  • Adaptable to new technologies
  • Independent
  • Steady and dependable

Tips for managing Gen Xers

When working with Gen Xers:

• Take advantage of their efficiency.
• Provide direct feedback.
• Offer them plenty of independence and autonomy to improve employee engagement.

Millennials (1981-1996)

Millennials (also known as Gen Y) have been accused of being entitled, whiny and irresponsible, but they have been influenced by significant societal and socioeconomic changes.

As of 2024, millennials range in age from 28 to 43 and comprise the largest group in the workforce (36 percent). 

Here’s what you need to know about millennials: 

• Significant world events that defined the millennial generation include the Columbine shooting, 9/11 and the rise of the internet.
• Millennial employees are known for being:
• Competitive
• Achievement-oriented
• Tech-savvy
• Focused on work-life balance
• Open to seeking out unique work experiences

Tips for attracting and retaining millennial employees include: 

• Get to know them personally.
• Communicate in depth about their progress and output.
• Offer flextime and flexible work schedules.
• Provide the opportunity to work remotely.

Gen Z (1997-2012)

The newest members of the workforce, Gen Zers, are the first true tech generation, having never known a world without the internet as it exists today. Gen Z is also known for being the most diverse generation in American history. They comprise 18 percent of the workforce. 

Here’s what you need to know about Gen Z: 

• Major world events that defined Gen Z include exposure to violent incidents, significant technological advancements, the rise of social networking and the Great Recession.
• Gen Zers are known for being:
  • Diverse (and highly supportive of diversity)
  • Open-minded and progressive
  • Tech-savvy
  • Individualistic and creative
  • Self-directed

Tips for managing Gen Zers

• Give them opportunities to multitask.
• Allow autonomy and self-direction.
• Provide a positive work-life balance.

What are the benefits of a multigenerational workforce?

A multigenerational workforce can be highly beneficial for your business. Some upsides include the following:

• A multigenerational workforce brings learning opportunities: Employees of different ages present unique opportunities to share experiences, ideas and thoughts. Combining multiple generations is an excellent way to problem-solve effectively and devise creative solutions to your company’s challenges.
• A multigenerational workforce fosters mentoring: You can create a mentorship program in a multigenerational workforce to match employees of different generations in partnerships. Mentorship programs are an excellent way to promote team bonding and share knowledge across generations.
• A multigenerational workforce lets you pool skills: Every generation introduces a skill set to the workplace. By sharing and using these skills with colleagues, your workers can learn from each other and enjoy increased productivity and efficiency.
• A multigenerational workforce increases innovation: Diverse experiences lead to diverse ideas, increasing team innovation. With four generations’ worth of different life experiences and worldviews, everyone at your company is bound to have a unique point of view for every challenge you face.

What are the challenges of a multigenerational workforce?

However, managing a wide range of age groups and ensuring everyone’s needs are met can be difficult. You may face the following challenges:

• A multigenerational workforce brings varied work styles: Imagine you have a baby boomer employee who abides by a strict 9-to-5 workday and a Monday-to-Friday schedule with little deviation. You also have a millennial employee who works from home twice a week and leaves for an hour during the day to take their dog for a walk. How do you accommodate these working styles? It can be difficult to manage discrepancies across generations and still maintain fairness.
• A multigenerational workforce may support different values: Each generation prioritizes different values. For example, Gen X appreciates flexible working arrangements and promotional opportunities, while boomers value loyalty, stability and a strong work ethic. Millennials like personal freedom and engaged workplaces, while Gen Zers prioritize creativity and progressive thinking. It can be challenging to meet everyone’s differing values and provide them with a supportive workplace.
• A multigenerational workforce has varying communication styles: Communication styles can significantly impact how your business runs. Each generation has different communication styles and preferences. For example, Gen Xers value efficiency and their communication style can be direct. Millennials and Gen Z tend to use softer words to convey their point.

Best practices for managing a multigenerational workforce

Despite the challenges, business owners and managers can do much to ensure a positive and productive multigenerational workplace. Consider the following best practices:

• Be flexible when managing a multigenerational workforce: Flexibility is crucial when managing a multigenerational workforce — from working hours to communication styles. Creating a culture of flexibility inspires your employees to be flexible, helping to resolve disagreements or differing thoughts on how things should be done.
• Understand your employees when managing a multigenerational workforce: Get to know your employees as individuals, not just their generational characteristics. “My best advice for managing a multigenerational workforce is to listen and understand how your teams do their best work,” advised Miles Beckler, founder of and entrepreneur at MilesBeckler.com. “Certain workers are very visual, while others are auditory or even social. Assigning people tasks that harmonize with their personal style or putting them in teams that complement their skill sets, are important strategies for improving productivity.”
• Provide opportunities for employees to learn from each other: Each age group has a wealth of knowledge and experience, so creating knowledge-sharing channels is in your best interest. For example, create a mentorship program where baby boomers are paired with millennials or Gen Zers. Alternatively, support mutual mentorships, where members of two generations work together as a team. This can promote team bonding, help team members understand each other and increase employee engagement.
• Avoid stereotypes when managing a multigenerational workforce: Muhammad Shabbar, HR and admin manager at AI Manal Development, advises business owners to avoid generational stereotypes. “Regardless of generation, work harmony can be achieved if these assumptions are removed,” Shabbar noted.
• Tailor your communication methods to your multigenerational workforce: Since each generation tends to have its favored methods of communication, such as in person for boomers and email for Gen X, communicate with each of your team members according to their preferences. It may not seem like much, but it demonstrates your recognition of their preferences and that you value them.