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Five Generations, One Workforce

Five Generations, One Workforce

What Tensions Should We Expect?

What Tensions Should We Expect?

man with magnifying glass looking for solution

Five Generations, One Workforce

What Tensions Should We Expect?

5 minutes

2024. okt. 8.

Organizational Culture

Podcast

man with magnifying glass looking for solution

Five Generations, One Workforce

What Tensions Should We Expect?

5 minutes

2024. okt. 8.

Organizational Culture

Podcast

man with magnifying glass looking for solution

Five Generations, One Workforce

What Tensions Should We Expect?

5 minutes

2024. okt. 8.

Organizational Culture

Podcast

Among the many shifts shaping the world of work, multigenerational teams are one of the most fascinating—and complex—realities. When five generations—Baby Boomers, X, Y, Z, and Alpha—share the same workplace, differences in language, values, and habits can easily create misunderstandings.

Younger generations, especially Z and Alpha, tend to be more open to innovation. They carry fewer ingrained biases and adapt quickly to new approaches. But keeping them engaged can be a bigger challenge. While a Gen X colleague might commit to a company through a professional development program, a younger employee may respond more to a mental health initiative. So where do these differences come from—and how do we bridge them?

“The concept of authority is being redefined.”

The traditional view of authority has shifted dramatically. Older generations grew up in a world where authority—whether from parents, teachers, or employers—was rarely questioned. For younger generations, authority now rests on competence, creativity, and emotional intelligence, not on age or tenure.

“We work with different concepts in the 21st century, and this causes tension between generations. Each generation understands certain terms differently and sticks to different habits because they’ve followed different models and drawn from different sources.” – Dr. Katalin Baracsi, generational and social media expert

Advice from older colleagues can sometimes trigger friction, particularly with Gen Z. Much of it is rooted in experiences from a world that no longer exists in the same form. If guidance feels outdated—or worse, like criticism—it can be seen as a threat to autonomy, which younger generations value deeply.

Dr. Katalin Baracsi, internet lawyer Gabi Bódi leaning on each other, smiling
Dr. Katalin Baracsi, internet lawyer Gabi Bódi leaning on each other, smiling
Dr. Katalin Baracsi, internet lawyer Gabi Bódi leaning on each other, smiling

One Force to Unite Them All: Communication

Unspoken frustration around generational differences will inevitably erode workplace atmosphere and, eventually, performance. The solution is open dialogue. While each generation has its preferred communication style—Boomers lean toward face-to-face talks and phone calls, younger colleagues toward messaging apps and emails—awareness and flexibility can bridge gaps.

Experimenting with new platforms can even become a two-way exchange: Gen Z learns the craft of a formal email, while Gen X discovers the expressive potential of GIFs and memes.

Unspoken frustration around generational differences will inevitably erode workplace atmosphere and, eventually, performance. The solution is open dialogue. While each generation has its preferred communication style—Boomers lean toward face-to-face talks and phone calls, younger colleagues toward messaging apps and emails—awareness and flexibility can bridge gaps.

Experimenting with new platforms can even become a two-way exchange: Gen Z learns the craft of a formal email, while Gen X discovers the expressive potential of GIFs and memes.

What Makes Workplace Culture Truly Positive?

Meeting the needs of every generation may sound impossible, but shared values—like inclusion, openness, and honesty—make it manageable. In fact, misunderstandings can strengthen collaboration if handled well. Leaders have a key role here: to remain neutral, to avoid favoring one generation’s approach, and to act as mediators.

“Young people are eager to learn from someone experienced—but they need this knowledge delivered on their terms. This is where leadership has a key mediating role between generations, as these frameworks can only be realized through them.”
– Dr. Katalin Baracsi

Multigenerational workplaces come with challenges, but also huge potential. With intention, shared goals, and open communication, diversity of age and experience can become a real driver of progress.

🎧 For a deeper dive, listen to episode 2 of our Game Changers podcast, where Dr. Katalin Baracsi shares insights on how the newest generation is entering the workforce.

Meeting the needs of every generation may sound impossible, but shared values—like inclusion, openness, and honesty—make it manageable. In fact, misunderstandings can strengthen collaboration if handled well. Leaders have a key role here: to remain neutral, to avoid favoring one generation’s approach, and to act as mediators.

“Young people are eager to learn from someone experienced—but they need this knowledge delivered on their terms. This is where leadership has a key mediating role between generations, as these frameworks can only be realized through them.”
– Dr. Katalin Baracsi

Multigenerational workplaces come with challenges, but also huge potential. With intention, shared goals, and open communication, diversity of age and experience can become a real driver of progress.

🎧 For a deeper dive, listen to episode 2 of our Game Changers podcast, where Dr. Katalin Baracsi shares insights on how the newest generation is entering the workforce.

Fund it intriguing?

Hop on a Zoom call with us. The first 30 minutes are on us!

Fund it intriguing?

Hop on a Zoom call with us. The first 30 minutes are on us!

Fund it intriguing?

Hop on a Zoom call with us. The first 30 minutes are on us!

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Join the teams who ditched dull and chose real change. With game-based trainings and high-impact experiences, growth feels less like a chore — and more like momentum.

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Contact

Wondering how it all works? Let’s talk.

Pick a time that works for you and someone from our team will answer all your questions.


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Email

Got questions? Drop us a line!

Phone

Quick question? Give us a shout!

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Copyright © 2025 EUREKA GAMES Ltd. – All rights reserved

Contact

Wondering how it all works? Let’s talk.

Pick a time that works for you and someone from our team will answer all your questions.


Your chosen slot will automatically appear in your calendar.

Email

Got questions? Drop us a line!

Phone

Quick question? Give us a shout!

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Copyright © 2025 EUREKA GAMES Ltd. – All rights reserved