That Generation Just Doesn’t Get It…

I entered the workforce over 30 years ago, when computers were just hitting their stride. The first day in my new office job, I proudly sat down at my office space, looked around taking in everything that was now mine to work with, and noticed an electronic typewriter on the desk. I stared at it blankly for a few moments as I couldn’t figure out why in the world I had a typewriter. I briefly second-guessed my decision to work with the company whose people were obviously sooo far behind. Thirteen years later, still with the same company, a lot had changed and I was glad I stayed with those people!

Every generation enters the workforce believing the one before it “doesn’t get it.” Today is no different. Younger workers want flexibility, mental‑health awareness, and meaningful work. Older workers value stability, loyalty, and proven methods. These differences can spark tension but they can also spark transformation.

Younger generations are pushing companies to modernize. Older generations are grounding them with context and experience. The friction between the two is actually the engine of progress.

For older workers, adapting doesn’t mean abandoning what they know. It means translating their strengths into a new environment, embracing digital tools, offering mentorship, and staying open to new cultural norms. For younger workers, it means recognizing that innovation is stronger when it’s built on the foundation of experience.

30 years later, I’m one of those people. The younger generations are coming in with new tools, technologies and ideas. I’m the one with the years of context and experience. And being open to learning and working together with our strengths is what make work fun, challenging and moving forward. If you don’t get on the train, it’s leaving without you.

What I’ve learned is that the future of work belongs to teams that can blend perspectives, not battle them.