It’s easy—and necessary—to talk about how we support and train the next generation of talent. But what are we not doing by only focusing on the new kids on the block? Not focusing on the rest of our workplace. Narrowing in only on young professionals doesn’t reflect the full reality of our workforce.
Yes, Gen Z has entered the chat. But Baby Boomers haven’t (fully) left it.
In fact, millions of professionals from older, more experienced generations are still working today, and many plan to keep doing so for years to come. Despite the constant noise about the “aging workforce” and looming retirements, there’s a significant group of experienced employees who are still showing up, contributing, and adapting to changing workplaces every day. And they deserve to be seen, heard, and supported—just like everyone else.
As leaders, you can’t afford to ignore them. With a declining birth rate in the U.S., rising entrepreneurship trends, and a shrinking pipeline of available talent, every overlooked seasoned professional is a missed opportunity—and a growing liability. We are not in a position to keep losing talent. Especially not the kind that’s been quietly holding things together for decades.
Why it matters now
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Managers are getting younger. That’s not speculation—it’s what we’ve been hearing directly from teams across industries. As leadership pipelines shift and younger professionals step into management roles earlier than ever, they’re often unsure how to lead those with decades more experience. The result? Tension, hesitation, and missed opportunities on both sides.
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Communication isn’t just a Gen Z challenge. Just like younger employees may need coaching on professionalism, younger managers need support in learning how to manage up—respectfully and effectively—without overcorrecting or becoming overly authoritative.
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Workplace culture is at risk of becoming age-biased. When all of our development efforts center around attracting and training younger employees, we inadvertently send a message to seasoned professionals: You’ve been left behind. And that’s a recipe for disengagement.
Tips for Supporting Seasoned Professionals in a Multigenerational Workplace
Start with mutual respect. We often talk about how older generations need to understand Gen Z—but what about the reverse? Young leaders must also learn to value the institutional knowledge, people wisdom, and industry perspective that seasoned professionals bring to the table. Our trainings and workshops offer solutions to this challenge.
Teach the art of managing up. Give new managers tools for leading with empathy and humility. Managing someone older doesn’t mean avoiding tough conversations—it means learning how to navigate them with clarity and respect.
Include seasoned professionals in development conversations. Development doesn’t stop at age 55. Whether it’s cross-generational mentorship or upskilling in new technologies, older employees should have access to growth opportunities—especially if they’re expected to lead or mentor others.
Make your culture age-inclusive. Look around at your workplace celebrations, feedback loops, communication channels, and benefits. Are they inclusive of all ages—or are they skewed toward what younger workers want? If you’re unsure, that’s your sign to start asking.
Ultimately, it’s not about choosing which generation to invest in. It’s about building a culture that sees every employee—regardless of their age—as an asset to the team.
If you’re ready to make that a reality, we’ve got resources to help you start. Take our free Generational Assessment and receive a customized one pager that outlines where we recommend you start.
Did you like this week’s post? Then you might like these posts below.
An Updated Conversation on Hybrid and Return to Work
Transforming Talent Retention: The Benefits and Wellness Report
How to Get Your Team to Show Up to Work on Time
What’s Next?
Ready to transform your multigenerational workplace culture? Contact GPS! We can help you develop a thoughtful hiring strategy that fosters positive relationships, strengthens your employer brand, and attracts top talent. Let’s ensure your benefits pave the way for a dynamic cross-generational workforce! To learn more about how our services can help you uncover the power of social media in recruiting and retaining professional talent, schedule Your Free Planning Session Today.
