Latest news with #generationaldifferences
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Seeing The Generational Divide As A Generational Advantage
Kelly Leonard is the Vice President of Creative Strategy, Innovation and Business Development at The Second City. I've been working with folks in their twenties since I was in my twenties. After nearly 40 years of working at The Second City—a comedy theatre that traffics in social and cultural tropes for laughs, I have been provided an unusual perch to witness how each generation mines their experiences and attitudes to critique the past, present and future. I can still recall how Boomers thought Gen-Xers were all slackers, and how Gen-Xers thought Millennials were too privileged, and how Millennials thought Gen-Zers were entitled and too reliant on technology. The only generational trait that seems to exist across the board is that every generation thinks the next generation has it easier than they had it. We like our stories simple: black and white, good or bad. It's easier to sort people into stereotypes than it is to appreciate the gray areas that define how individuals choose to live their lives. In doing just a bit of research on the empirical evidence of generational differences, there is a sizable community of scholars who aren't buying what the popular press is selling. As Cort Rudolph and his colleagues note, "...There is little empirical evidence that generations exist, that people can be reliably classified into generational groups, and, importantly, that there are demonstrable differences between such groups that manifest and affect various work-related processes.' The truth is, we share more than we differ when it comes to generations. The worries about money, love and security are cross-generational. The search for meaningful work and the need to feel connected to a community—these are the problems of being a human, not a generation. As Morgan Housel writes in his book, "Same as Ever," "The ones who thrive long term are those who understand the real world is a never-ending chain of absurdity, confusions, messy relationships, and imperfect people." So why does it feel like such a slog when talking to folks from another generation? Why do companies like ours continually get called on to provide communication workshops for companies that have identified cross-generational collaboration as a chronic problem in the workplace? Because the problem isn't about generations; it's about people. And that's great news—because it means that if we understand just a bit about human behavior, we can use strategies and practices to improve the conversations we've identified as problematic. For three years, we had a partnership with the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago called The Second Science Project, which looked at behavioral science through the lens of improvisation and vice versa. We created bespoke improvisational exercises based on the science of human relationships, communication and decision making. One of my favorite exercises that we developed from that partnership provides a simple yet effective tool by which you can quickly improve your ability to navigate a conversation through differences. It's called, Thank You, Because. In the exercise, we pair two people and ask them to decide upon a low-stakes disagreement: coffee versus tea, cats versus dogs, smooth versus chunky peanut butter. We then ask them to have a conversation in which they each try to convince the other that they are right. I can report that, having run tens of thousands of people through this exercise, not a single person has successfully convinced the other that they are right and the other person is wrong. We then ask them to have the same conversation but to use a simple technique. After each person presents their point of view, they must first respond with the words 'thank you,' and then they must find something they value in what the person just shared. It doesn't matter if it's a small thing, like the fact that they really care about what they feel. The 'because' is making sure the other person knows they are seen and validated, even if the other person doesn't agree. After the second round, the debrief is always the same: 'Well, we found out a lot more about each other,' 'We realized we didn't need to agree to be able to have an interesting conversation' or 'I actually understood more about why they felt the way they felt.' Behavioral science teaches us that gratitude and validation are deeply tied to our identity. And when another person—even someone who doesn't agree with us—expresses gratitude and validation, we have created a space for true human connection. Difficult conversations have always difficult. And it's perfectly understandable why we might want to chalk up inferior communication to factors beyond our control, like generational divides. But we can do better. 'Thank you, because' can turn a generational divide into a generational advantage. Forbes Business Development Council is an invitation-only community for sales and biz dev executives. Do I qualify?
Fast Company
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Fast Company
Why this ‘cringe' Gen Z quirk has TikTok divided
Debate over the so-called Gen Z stare is the latest conversation on TikTok to capture people's attention, but like so many viral social media moments, generations from millennials to boomers have a very different take on things. Here's what to know about the Gen Z stare and the debate surrounding it. What is the Gen Z stare? First off, you're probably wondering, what is this Gen Z stare? Simply put, it's a blank, unfocused stare into the void, often found in the faces of Gen Z (also called zoomers)—the generation born between 1997 and 2012, wedged in between millennials and Generation Alpha. It's most irritating for older people, namely millennials and their parents, who find it difficult to hold a conversation with members of Gen Z, instead being met with a blank, unfocused stare, often accompanied by silence or a one word answer. Why are people debating over the Gen Z stare? If the Gen Z stare seems like typical teenage behavior, you're not wrong; Gen Z certainly doesn't have a monopoly on being uncommunicative. Now, TikTokers are debating not only whether the Gen Z stare exists and is a thing, but also, what it all means. Is it rude, or a justifiable reaction to what is being said? In their defense, Gen Z social media users have said the stare is one of disbelief or frustration. It might be justified when, for example, in a customer service job, an older person can't figure out how to use the credit card machine, or just has trouble using basic technology—best summed up by TikToker _kayluhbb, whose post garnered 1.1 million likes and a number of replies, like this one: 'The gen Z stare is bc you're tired or repeating yourself.' There are plenty of other TikTok posts demonstrating the stare, including this one, in which the user acts out a scenario in which she has to repeatedly tell a customer that a class is fully booked. Fair enough. But older generations used to just call this type of frustration being impatient, or mocking someone. Just sayin'. However, not to be out-mocked, millennials are poking fun back at Gen Z, like in this post from a TikToker named Riley, who was met with a Gen Z stare as she attempts and fails to get her daughter golf lessons. Which is, at the very least, cringe.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
14 Healthy Boundaries Boomers Consider Disrespectful
Boundaries: We all set them to maintain balance and protect our well-being. Yet sometimes, generational differences can lead to them being misinterpreted. For many Boomers, what seems like disrespect might just be your way of setting healthy limits. It's not about creating a divide but about fostering understanding. So, let's explore those instances when Boomers might mistake boundaries for disrespect. You love your folks, but the unannounced visit isn't something you appreciate. You've kindly requested a heads-up before they swing by, but somehow, it still feels like a cold shoulder to them. In their day, doors were always open, and neighbors (or family) dropping by were just part of life. According to Dr. Susan Newman, a social psychologist, boundaries like this are crucial for personal space and mental health. It's important to remind them that this isn't about pushing them away; it's just about planning your day with a bit more breathing room. Explaining this isn't about cutting ties but about creating comfortable spaces for everyone involved. Let them know that communication is the key, and a simple text can make the visit more enjoyable for everyone. Respecting this boundary doesn't mean the end of spontaneity; it could lead to more quality interactions. It's all about finding that sweet spot between openness and personal space. With gentle reminders, they might start to see this boundary not as a barricade but as a bridge. You want to clock out on time and not take work calls during family dinners. Yet, Boomers might see this as a lack of dedication to your job. They grew up in a world where the grind was glorified and loyalty often meant long hours. But for you, it's about quality over quantity and ensuring work doesn't consume your entire life. This boundary is about preserving mental health and ensuring productivity, not slacking off. Making it clear that this boundary enhances your work performance can help bridge the gap. Explain that stepping away from work at a reasonable time allows you to recharge and approach challenges with a fresh perspective. It's about maintaining energy and enthusiasm to tackle tasks effectively, not avoiding responsibility. They might see the benefit once they understand productivity isn't solely measured in hours worked. Open conversations can help them appreciate the importance of work-life balance in today's fast-paced world. You've adjusted your social media privacy settings, which might seem like hiding something from them. To a Boomer, sharing is caring, and they may view your selectivity as a form of secrecy. In reality, crafting a digital space that feels safe and personal is important for many people. According to digital expert Dr. Sherry Turkle, these boundaries are necessary for maintaining autonomy and privacy online. Reassure them that it's not about excluding them but about curating a space that feels right for you. Encourage them to see these settings as a way to protect personal information, not as a wall separating them from your life. Explain that social media isn't an open diary but a curated platform where privacy needs to be actively managed. By setting these boundaries, you're taking control of your online presence and safeguarding your mental well-being. With patience, they might start to understand that this is about security, not secrecy. Empower them to engage with their social media settings similarly, fostering mutual respect for each other's digital boundaries. Taking time for yourself can be seen as indulgent, maybe even a tad selfish. Boomers often raised in a culture of self-sacrifice might struggle to see the value in scheduled "me time." However, carving out personal time is essential for self-care and personal growth. It's not a luxury, but a necessity to recharge and handle life's demands with a clear mind. Explaining this can shift their perspective from seeing it as a desire to be alone to recognizing it as a tool for self-improvement. Communicate that "me time" is about replenishing your energy so you can be fully present and engaged when together. It's like refueling a car before a long journey; it ensures you're ready for the ride. Once they recognize that this space leads to healthier relationships, their view might soften. Encourage them to try it themselves, perhaps finding value in their own moments of solitude. Bridging the understanding here can lead to mutual respect for personal time and space. Choosing to prioritize your partner can be seen as neglecting family ties. To a Boomer, it might appear as if you're putting someone else before the family that raised you. However, prioritizing your partner is about nurturing another essential part of your life. Family therapist Dr. John Gottman emphasizes that strong partnerships are foundational to well-being and shouldn't be seen as competing with family bonds. Clarify that this boundary isn't about choosing one over the other but balancing both. Assure them that nurturing your relationship strengthens your overall support system, benefiting everyone, including your family. Explain that a robust partnership supports you emotionally, making you a better daughter, son, or sibling. This isn't about sidelining family but integrating your partner into the broader tapestry of your life. Encourage them to see that strong relationships don't diminish family ties but reinforce them through added love and support. By sharing this perspective, they might begin to appreciate the harmony you're striving to create. Your decision to manage finances independently might look like a rejection of parental guidance. For Boomers, money conversations were often family affairs, with advice flowing freely from parents to children. However, your goal is to stand on your own feet, proving you can handle the ups and downs of financial life. This is about self-reliance, not dismissing their help or wisdom. Express that independence is a critical part of your growth and a way to honor all they've taught you. Explain that being financially independent doesn't mean cutting them out but rather applying their lessons to your circumstances. It's about using their guidance as a foundation while navigating your own path. They might see your efforts as a testament to their successful upbringing once they understand your intentions. It's about growing into your own person, with roots firmly planted in the values they've instilled. Open discussions about financial goals can transform perceived disrespect into mutual appreciation and pride. You and your Boomer family might have different political views, which can create tension at the dinner table. They might interpret your differing opinions as a lack of respect for their experiences and beliefs. Yet, engaging in political discussions is about exchanging ideas, not undermining their worldview. Political scientist Dr. Jane Mansbridge points out that healthy debate is vital for democracy and personal growth. Encouraging respectful conversations can help them see this as an opportunity to connect rather than a confrontation. Emphasize that diverse perspectives can lead to richer, more informed discussions where everyone learns something new. Share that listening and understanding don't mean agreeing but broadening your views. This boundary encourages open-mindedness and respect without compromising your beliefs. Gradually, they might begin to value these discussions as an essential part of family dynamics, fostering growth and understanding. Building a bridge between differing opinions can create a more harmonious and accepting environment. You've decided to switch careers, which might appear reckless to those who value stability. Boomers often stayed in one job for most of their lives, valuing job security above all. To them, jumping from one field to another feels like a disregard for the stability they worked hard to achieve. However, for you, a career change is about aligning passion with profession, not undermining their values. Communicating this can help them see your choice as a pursuit of fulfillment rather than an act of defiance. Explain that today's job market is different, with career fluidity often leading to personal satisfaction and success. Let them know that this boundary is about exploring potential and finding joy in work, not leaving behind a steady paycheck. Once they understand your motivations, they might see the career switch as a courageous step rather than a risky leap. This conversation could open up new perspectives, encouraging them to see the benefits of change and growth. Highlighting this perspective shift might transform a perceived act of disrespect into a shared journey of understanding. You choose to keep certain aspects of your life private, which can feel like secrecy to your Boomer family. They might view this as withholding, equating openness with trust and love. However, your choice to share selectively is about maintaining control over your narrative, not excluding them. Communicating that this boundary ensures authenticity and comfort in what you choose to reveal can shift their perspective. It's about self-respect and managing what feels right to share, not cutting them out. Encourage them to see the value of intentional sharing, where quality outweighs quantity. Explain that this choice allows for more genuine interactions, ensuring that what you share matters and resonates. Once they understand that limited sharing doesn't equate to less connection, their view might soften. This perspective can help them appreciate the depth and intention behind what you choose to disclose. Transforming this misunderstanding into mutual respect for privacy and authenticity can strengthen your bond. Choosing to step back from certain family members might seem like an act of rebellion. For Boomers, family ties are often unbreakable bonds, and distancing can feel like betrayal. However, creating this boundary is sometimes essential for emotional and mental well-being. It's not about burning bridges but protecting yourself from toxic dynamics. Communicating this can help them see it as a necessary step for healing rather than an act of disrespect. Explain that taking this step doesn't diminish your love for family but prioritizes self-care and emotional safety. Share that maintaining a no-contact boundary can lead to personal growth and healthier relationships in the long run. Once they understand the necessity of this decision, they might start to respect your choice. Encourage them to see it as a temporary measure rather than a permanent cutoff. By framing it as a step towards healthier dynamics, you can shift their perspective from judgment to understanding. Your constant use of technology might be seen as isolating to Boomers who value face-to-face interaction. They might interpret your phone screen time as a lack of interest in their company. However, technology is an integral part of life today, facilitating communication and connection in new ways. It's not about avoiding conversation but integrating new methods to stay connected and informed. Communicating this can help them see tech as a tool, not a barrier. Reassure them that using technology doesn't mean you're disengaged but enables you to manage multiple connections efficiently. Explain that tech facilitates diverse interactions, enhancing your ability to connect with them and others. They might start to appreciate technology as an extension of communication rather than a disruption. Encourage them to explore these tools themselves, perhaps finding new ways to stay in touch. By bridging this generational gap, you can transform misunderstandings into shared discoveries. Your sense of humor, full of memes and inside jokes, might be lost on your Boomer family. They might see your laughter as mockery or disrespect when they don't get the punchline. However, humor evolves with time, and what's funny to you might simply be different, not disdainful. This boundary is about cultural shifts, not belittling their sense of humor. Explaining this can help them appreciate the diversity of laughter without feeling left out. Encourage them to see humor as a way to connect, even if the jokes differ. Share that understanding that different styles of humor can enrich conversations and bridge generational gaps. Once they see your intention is to share joy, not exclude, their perspective might change. Introduce them to your humor, inviting them to share theirs, creating a shared space for laughter. By fostering inclusivity in humor, you can turn potential misunderstandings into moments of connection. Your parenting style might look unfamiliar to Boomers who raised kids in a different era. They might view your approach as permissive or unconventional, seeing boundaries as leniency. However, your methods are informed by modern research, focusing on empathy and understanding. It's not about disregarding their experience but integrating new insights into parenting. Explaining this can help bridge the gap, transforming skepticism into support. Share that your approach aims to foster independence and emotional intelligence in children. Explain that boundaries in parenting involve setting limits with empathy, promoting healthy development. By understanding your intentions, they might start to see value in new parenting techniques. Encourage them to discuss these methods, sharing their experiences while respecting your choices. By blending tradition with innovation, you can create a cooperative approach to raising children. Your decision to embrace minimalism might be puzzling to Boomers who see value in material accumulation. They might interpret your lifestyle as a rejection of prosperity or a lack of ambition. However, minimalism is about focusing on experiences and well-being, not dismissing hard-earned success. Communicating this can help them see it as a lifestyle choice, not a critique of theirs. Emphasize that minimalism is about enhancing life quality, not minimizing effort. Explain that choosing simplicity allows for more focus on what's truly important, fostering happiness and contentment. Share that this boundary isn't about deprivation but intentional living, valuing experiences over possessions. Once they understand the purpose behind minimalism, they might start to appreciate its benefits. Encourage them to explore elements of minimalism, potentially finding value in decluttering themselves. By discussing these choices openly, you can transform misunderstandings into mutual respect for diverse lifestyles. You want to create new holiday traditions, which might seem like a dismissal of cherished family rituals. For Boomers, holiday customs are often steeped in nostalgia and continuity, representing family unity. However, your desire to innovate comes from a place of wanting to create your memories. It's not about erasing the past but blending the old with the new. Communicating this can help them see the evolution of traditions, not the end of them. Explain that creating new traditions allows for fresh memories while honoring the essence of family togetherness. Share that incorporating elements from both generations can enrich the holiday experience for everyone. Once they see your intentions, they might start to appreciate the creativity and inclusivity of new traditions. Encourage them to participate in this evolution, blending their cherished customs with your innovative ideas. By fostering an open dialogue, you can transform potential conflicts into celebrations of family growth and harmony.
Medscape
09-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Is Gen Z Changing the Culture of Medicine?
Do you cringe when you hear the phrase 'Okay, Boomer,' or do you flaunt your Gen X status by wearing T-shirts from your favorite 80s bands in your off hours? Whether you strongly identify with your generation, there are generational stereotypes that persist — and those stereotypes or beliefs can influence how you are perceived by patients and colleagues and how you perceive them. For example, in the workplace, Boomers are often assumed to have strong work ethics, while Millennials tend to value their free time more than preceding generations. While generational generalizations have shortcomings (as do all generalizations), the incoming crop of Gen Z doctors will likely affect the culture of medicine in significant ways. About Medscape Data Medscape continually surveys physicians and other medical professionals about key practice challenges and current issues, creating high-impact analyses. For example, Medscape's Physician Workplace Culture Report 2024 found that 6 in 10 physicians feel their workplace culture was holding steady if not slightly improving. Doctors younger than 45 years found culture more important than pay. Physicians argued that a supportive, positive culture was not only practical but also possible. 54% were committed to work-life balance. The Shift Is Already Underway 'We're already seeing a shift in expectations and practice patterns that mirror many of the values this generation brings: work-life balance, transparency, and a desire for a more human-centered model of medicine,' Corrin McCloskey , MPH, executive director, Heart and Vascular Services at Tanner Health System in Carrollton, Georgia, who works with cardiologists of different generations, told Medscape Medical News . Yet these expectations may not be welcomed by the 'old guard.' 'Often there is a sense from one generation to the next that they [the new generation] don't want to work as hard,' said McCloskey. 'It's not that Gen Z doesn't want to work as hard. But they're setting expectations about what their work is going to look like and what they want their lives to look like outside of work…there's a perception that older physicians built their practice through blood, sweat, and tears, and the younger generation does not want to do that.' For example, incoming doctors often seek positions where they don't have to be on call 24 hours a day, or they're choosing to practice either in a clinic or hospital setting — not both. They also may be less interested in starting their own practices, which requires the commitment of running both a practice and a business. Work-Life Balance While 'work-life balance' may be an overused term, Gen Z embraces the concept. 'I do think that there is a general momentum toward recognizing that better cared for physicians make for better cared for patients,' said Lena Volpe, MD, a second-year resident in Ob/Gyn at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, who describes herself as 'in between a Millennial and Gen Z.' 'Every generation takes their own approach to the way they think will benefit patients most. The better we take care of doctors and set expectations for physician wellness and physician burnout, the better we can care for patients,' said Volpe. 'This generation of doctors has recognized that physician burnout is a real problem, and Gen Z is focused on the solutions — not just a wellness retreat, yoga class, or pizza party, but how we can better structure our programs and change our expectations for what we will be as attending physicians and medical students.' These new doctors are also likely to embrace boundaries. 'Healthcare is 24/7, and people need healthcare around the clock — but Gen Z says, 'I'm going to protect this or that piece of my life,'' said McCloskey. 'They want to show up and care for patients and then go home…the thought is, 'I'm willing to go above and beyond at certain times, but I'm not willing to do it at the detriment of my personal life.'' Grace Akatsu, an MD/PhD student who just completed their third year of medical school and is starting a PhD program at the University of Colorado, Denver, thinks their generation is pushing for a greater boundary between work and personal life. 'I think in the past, a job like being a physician has been viewed more of a calling — an all-consuming entity without much room for anything else,' they said. 'Gen Z sees it more as an important part of your life, but not your entire life.' Emphasis on Technology Gen Z is also exceptionally conversant with technology. 'The way that my coresidents and medical students think about applying technology to medicine…there's an automatic assumption that tech will make it more thorough,' said Volpe. This generation isn't the first to innovate, of course, but the way they incorporate tech and mobile apps is different. 'We think about it from an efficiency standpoint. How can we take this process that's working but may be inefficient and make it better? With each generation, technology is more and more integrated into our lives, and we're catching up with that in our work,' Volpe added. This integration of technology can only improve medical care. Akatsu plans to study ovarian cancer as part of their PhD program. 'I'm using machine learning to pull together all this publicly available data for this kind of cancer,' they said. 'The availability of these computational tools to advance human health is incredibly exciting. There is so much potential as these technologies become even more accessible.' Challenge to Traditional Hierarchies This generation is also willing to push for change. 'I turned 18 in 2016, and every election I've voted in has been incredibly consequential,' said Akatsu. 'My whole young adulthood has been 'unprecedented times,' but they're not unprecedented times to me.' Gen Z has experienced huge upheavals in politics, health, and technology as young adults, they added. This generation's experiences can bring with them a sense of empowerment that these systems in healthcare are moldable and flawed. 'It is important — in a respectful and conscientious way — to try to push for change where needed, even if means pushing against the traditional hierarchies that can be baked into medicine,' said Akatsu. Medicine is already seeing this influence, added Volpe, citing residencies across the country that are starting to unionize. Greater Focus on Transparency, Personalized Medicine, and Mental Health Gen Z is also changing how doctors interact with patients, providing greater transparency and empowerment. 'I think we are supporting patients better in advocating for themselves,' said Volpe. 'For example, doctors and healthcare workers turn to social media to raise awareness about specific conditions and make information easier to find.' There's also a shift away from paternalism in medicine, adds Akatsu. 'Even 10 years ago, it was more common to tell a patient, 'You need this test,' and not necessarily elaborate more,' they said. 'Now there's more collaborating with the patient and participating in decision-making and info-sharing, like, 'Here's what I'm thinking. Let's work on building this relationship and this rapport so we can improve your health together. It's not just me giving you orders.'' In addition, Gen Z embraces the importance of mental health among both physicians and patients. 'I think my generation really made a breakthrough around decreasing the stigma around mental illness and seeking treatment for mental health,' Volpe said. 'Working 100 hours a week in residency is not conducive to mental health…especially in training. I do feel physicians and people in healthcare, my peers, understand mental health is a critical part of physical health.' Changing Values, Changing Medicine The newest generation of doctors seems to be affecting the culture of medicine and will likely continue to do so. 'I think something that sets Gen Z apart from all the other generations is that we are the most comfortable with change because it's all we have known as adults,' said Akatsu. 'I am sympathetic to the idea that change is scary and unsettling, but I hope we can empower our colleagues…to embrace change where needed.' Understanding the 'why' of Gen Z can only improve not only the medicine but also the relationships between docs of different ages, added McCloskey. 'I would love to see our doctors approach the generational differences with curiosity instead of criticism,' she said. 'We all need each other, and we can all learn from each other.'
Forbes
08-07-2025
- General
- Forbes
Acknowledging Employees' Generational Differences Is Vital
Senior advisor, global affairs, at American Benefits Council. Global HR specialist developing innovative HR and benefits strategies. Until recently, I believed that people—regardless of their generation—were driven by the same basic drivers and needs: recognition, security and purpose. I'd heard the buzz about generational differences, but I always thought it was overblown. People are people, right? Or so I thought. The Parenting Moment That Changed My Perspective I grew up in a Baby Boomer household where discipline was strict and voices were often raised. My father believed in tough love, and I carried much of that approach into my first marriage, when I became a father of two Millennials. Now, in my second marriage, I have a five-year-old, who's a member of Generation Alpha. My wife, born to Generation-X, has a noticeably different parenting style than what I was raised with or embodied. (She's a lot more measured.) You'd think having such a generationally diverse family would make me an expert on our differences. But it wasn't until recently that I began to truly understand just how much has changed. The moment of reckoning was confronting my 18-year-old son after he'd forgotten to walk the dog for the third time. He was glued to his phone as I tried to talk to him, so I raised my voice to get his attention. I'd done it countless times before, but in this moment, my five-year-old piped up from across the room with a startling observation: 'You yell a lot!' His words stopped me cold. In my childhood, such boldness would have earned a swift punishment. But here was my youngest son, not only unafraid to speak his mind but able to do so with an honesty that cut straight through me. At first, I tried to explain myself. 'I raised my voice because your brother wasn't listening.' His response? 'There are other ways to talk to people.' That simple statement hit me harder than any lecture or management seminar ever had, challenging not only my parenting but my entire worldview. It made me pause and reflect on how different his upbringing is from mine. I realized that, in his world, respect isn't something demanded by authority. It's earned through understanding and communication. I was faced with an uncomfortable truth. What worked for my generation doesn't necessarily work for his generation—or my older children's, for that matter. And these changes, while occasionally subtle, are drivers that affect how we interact with others in the world, including in the workplace. Multigenerational Workplaces Need A New Approach For years, I resisted the idea that younger generations were fundamentally different from mine, but now I see how much our culture has changed. Instead of believing in command and hierarchy, Millennials and Gen-Zers prioritize communication and collaboration. They've been raised in environments where their voices matter, and they're encouraged to express themselves. So naturally, those expectations carry over into their professional lives. According to Deloitte, Millennial and Gen-Z employees tend to reject traditional corporate structures. They want to work in purpose-driven environments where their ideas are valued and their contributions are recognized. Team members from these generations expect leaders to support their professional development and approach feedback as a conversation, not a lecture. These shifts, as well as my new perspective, have led me to rethink how those of us in HR are designing our organizations' programs and workplace strategies. One-size-fits-all approaches are no longer enough. The newer generations want to be engaged and empowered to create their own success. So, we need to foster a culture of compassionate productivity. Accountability must be coupled with psychological safety, and leaders should encourage open communication, mentorship and collaboration. Adapting to these changing expectations is vital for employee satisfaction. As Deloitte's research shows, when people feel heard and understood, they're more engaged and productive. And when organizations embrace generational differences instead of resisting them, they create cultures where everyone can thrive. We Must Understand All Generations To Move Forward Understanding generational differences isn't about drawing lines between 'us' and 'them.' It's about really listening and being willing to adapt. My five-year-old taught me that there are other ways to talk to people, and I'm learning how to apply that to leadership as well. Embracing change isn't just necessary; it's transformative. And if we let them, the youngest voices can have the biggest impact. Forbes Human Resources Council is an invitation-only organization for HR executives across all industries. Do I qualify?
