The CultureHug Podcast

5 Generations, 1 Workplace: How to Actually Get Along


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With five generations now sharing space in the modern workplace, how do we move past stereotypes and start building real connection?

In this episode of CultureHug, we dive into what makes each generation—Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha—tick, and how to communicate with more empathy and less labeling.We’ll break down common generational misunderstandings, from Boomers feeling sidelined to Gen Z being misunderstood as lazy or uncommitted.

But instead of fueling the fire, we explore practical, respectful ways to bridge these gaps—from adapting communication styles and building feedback loops, to embracing mentorship and cross-generational collaboration.

Whether you’re a team leader, coworker, or just someone navigating family and social dynamics, this episode will help you understand each generation’s values, strengths, and communication preferences—so we can stop judging and start connecting.Because when we listen with curiosity instead of criticism, generational diversity becomes a superpower.

Sources: 

• Age Brilliantly Editorial Team. (2025, April 21). Mentoring the younger generations for a fulfilling future. Age Brilliantly. 
• Corwin, R. J. (2015). Strategies to retain tacit knowledge from baby boomers [Doctoral dissertation, Walden University]. Digital Commons Network. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/460
• Davis, J. (2024, July 24). Bridging the gaps: How to communicate across the generations. Eptura. 
• Dilan, E. (2024, September 23). Managing baby boomers in the workplace through a inclusion & belonging lens. DILAN Consulting. 
• Driver, G. (2023, March 17). A Gen-Z mindset can positively influence an entire culture. Forbes. 
• Eisenhauer, T. (2024, July 22). How to communicate with millennials in the workplace: A guide. Axero Solutions.
• George, A. S., Baskar, T., & Srikaanth, P. B. (2024). Bridging the generational divide: Fostering intergenerational collaboration and innovation in the modern workplace. Partners Universal International Innovation Journal, 2(3), 198–217. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12348084
• Hickman, A. (2020, January 29). What 'meaningful feedback' means to millennials. Gallup. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/284081/meaningful-feedback-means-millennials.aspx
• Johnson, M. (2018, April 27). Millennial boss: How to give corrective feedback to a baby boomer. Meagan Johnson.
• Madison. (2024, February 8). Baby boomers in the workplace. MBlog. 
• Millen, J. (n.d.). How to communicate across generations at work. John Millen. 
• Mulder, L., & Stakenas, C. (2019, January 30). Working with baby boomers: How other generations can adapt. Lablogatory.
• ChatGTP's Deep Research (2025, March 15). Gen Alpha in 2025: Education, future workforce, and economic influence
• PwC. (2011). Millennials at work: Reshaping the workplace
• Riscica, M. (n.d.). Five common mistakes in communicating with millennials. Young Architect. 
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. ThinkAdvisor.
• Together. (2024, August 12). What motivates Gen Z in the workplace: 8 strategies to recruit and retain Gen Z
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• Verbalplanet. (n.d.). Evolution of English: Communication trends among Gen Z and millennials
• Villanueva, A. (2024, October 21). The baby boomer work ethic: Traits and comparisons. Outsource Accelerator.
• Waldron, G. (2024, May 15). Active listening, active results: How to communicate better with baby boomers in the workplace. Gary Waldron and Associates.
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The CultureHug PodcastBy Culture Hug