Today's workplaces are more diverse than ever. With employees spanning five generations, each with unique expectations, how can companies create a culture that works for everyone?

In this episode, host Vanessa Brulotte sits down with Tara Martell, Chief Customer Officer at BambooHR, and Kate Noel, SVP Head of People Operations at Morning Brew, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of managing a multigenerational workforce.

They explore how generational differences shape communication, technology use, and career expectations—and why it’s crucial to move beyond stereotypes to focus on individual needs. Plus, they share practical ways to adapt leadership, training, and benefits to better support employees at every stage of their careers.

Key takeaways:

• How to better understand the changing needs of each generation
• Strategies for adapting leadership and training to different age groups  
• Practical ways to design benefits that appeal to all employees   

Key topics:

(00:00) Introducing Tara Martell and Kate Noel

(03:13) How generational needs vary in today’s workforce 

(07:22) The rise of work-life flexibility and mental health awareness

(10:15) Learning about your employees’ needs

(15:51) Compensation and benefits for different generations

(20:30) Addressing unique needs through support and training

(24:50) The importance of adapting to a multigenerational workforce

(26:51) Setting expectations for career growth

(32:53) Resources on building inclusive workspaces

(34:58) How to screen applicants for authenticity

Key links:

Read BambooHR’s blog, “4 Tips for Managing a Multigenerational Workforce, From Boomers to Gen Z”:

https://www.bamboohr.com/blog/manage-multigenerational-workforce

Read BambooHR’s blog, “How Different Generations Want To Be Recognized at Work”:

https://www.bamboohr.com/blog/how-different-generations-want-to-be-recognized

Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series:

https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/

Join HR Heroes Slack Community:

https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQw

BambooHR Homepage:

https://www.bamboohr.com/

Connect with Tara on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-martell-b5600b4b

Connect with Kate on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-noel-2b895242/

Sign up for Morning Brew’s Newsletter:

https://www.morningbrew.com/issues/latest