In this episode of Contributor Wednesday, Cara Silletto, President and Chief Retention Officer of Magnet Culture, shares a timely update on how the workforce has evolved and what leaders must understand to retain employees today. Drawing from over a decade of experience in generational dynamics and retention strategy, Cara walks listeners through updated workforce demographics heading into 2026, highlighting the shifting influence of Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.

Cara introduces a powerful new leadership analogy, trees vs. houseplants, to help leaders rethink how they support and retain today’s workforce. While long-tenured employees may be deeply rooted and stable, new hires require individualized care, communication, and flexibility. She challenges one-size-fits-all leadership models and encourages leaders to “water their plants” by adapting their support to each team member’s needs.

Key Ideas:

1. Why retention strategies must evolve with the workforce
2. Millennials and Gen Z expectations at work
3. The end of the workaholic era
4. “Trees vs. houseplants”
5. Individualized employee care vs. equal treatment

Meet Our Contributor

Cara Silletto

Learn more about the Employee Retention Ecosystem

employeeretentionecosystem.com

magnetvault.com

Sponsored by Aline, NIC MAP, Procare HR, Sage, Hamilton CapTel, Service Master, The Bridge Group Construction and Solinity.

Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing.

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