Build Stronger Teams Through Generational Diversity Training
“One of the greatest challenges and opportunities to effective collaboration within organizations today is the age range of their workers.” – Katerina Kazakos-Tate, Generational Leader
For the first time, five generations including Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials (Generation Y) and Generation Z are working side by side and contributing to a diverse workforce.
Research shows that reported incidents of employees experiencing offensive comments and generation-based microaggressions are on the rise. Human resources departments are being called in to handle reported incidents related to age or generational diversity and are being asked to resolve conflicts in way that honors the company’s mission and core values. Conflict between Millennials and Baby Boomers or Traditionalists is common as are microaggressions toward nearly every generation at work.
While each generation has its own influences and group attributes, it is important to remember that someone’s generation is just one part of their identity. In fact, some individuals identify more with a different generation than their birth year indicates.
Diversity Builder’s Bridging Generational Differences class teaches employees at all levels about the different generations in the workplace and best practices to use on teams and in communication to capitalize on diverse strengths from contributors in each generation. The trainer tailors each webinar or onsite training to the group, considering challenge areas, demographical generational makeup, and core values. Generations in the workplace training is a valuable component of a DE&I education plan.
Learning Options
Online: On demand self-directed
Live Webinar
Onsite In-Person
Human resources departments have primarily focused on interpersonal issues related to racial or gender diversity. Now generational diversity has come to the forefront. There are now five generations working side by side in the workplace. While teams truly appreciate the age and generational differences, there are challenges arising, particularly in the areas of collaboration, working style preferences, and communication. A 2018 Randstad USA study showed that 86% of workers prefer to work on multigenerational teams (defined as those who are least 10-15 years apart in age).
Training on Generational Differences
Diversity Builder has some of the top diversity trainers in the country who understand how to bridge generational differences in the workplace . Diversity Builders’ trainers incorporate their deep knowledge of DE&I topics to help team members see the broader perspective of multiple identities in the workplace and the microaggressions that can result from generational disconnects. The trainers meet employee’s where they are in their journey and customize workshops and webinars for the industry and focus areas.
Generations in the Workplace Training Topics
- Current generations at work
- Practical strategies to promote generational leadership
- How to build community and cohesive teams
- Generational differences and similarities
- How one’s generation is just a part a diverse and unique identity
- Leveraging differences as strengths
- Best practices in communication across generations
Studies have shown that teams which are develop innovative ideas and creative solutions to challenges. There are a number of other benefits in having the difference in perspective that often comes from generational differences.
Get started with Multigenerational Diversity Training
Why is generational diversity a challenge?
One of the biggest hurdles to overcome when trying to encourage generational diversity and inclusion is ageism. Also known as age discrimination, this is a protected class by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
According to workplace surveys conducted by Glassdoor, nearly half of employees (45%) report having experienced or witnessed ageism. The EEOC criteria for age-based discrimination covers employees 40 years of age or older. Thus, it is illegal to discriminate against anyone 40 years old or older. Based on Glassdoor’s research, younger employees (52% of ages 18-34) are more likely than older employees (39% of ages 55+) to have witnessed or experienced discrimination based on age.
Examples of new generational challenges faced within today’s workplace
- There are baby boomers in peer-to-peer collaboration with much younger newly hired university graduates.
- Employees may report to supervisors much younger than them.
- There are traditionalists and baby boomers who are planning to retire and may have extensive knowledge and organizational history that is at risk of retiring with them.
- Older generation managers are asking mentors and HR leaders for guidance in managing Millennials and Gen Z employees
Age-Based Communication Preferences
In addition to age discrimination, communication between generations is a big challenge among teams. According to multigenerational workplaces scholar Amanda Grenier, older and younger generations have different ways of speaking, although such differences may or may not be present. This is due to having different social historical reference points and different culturally determined experiences.
Generational diversity is not going away. If we want to create long-lasting businesses, we need to tackle these challenges.
How to Collaborate Successfully Across Generations
The way you can create a thriving multignerational culture is by educating employees. Make sure that they understand the differences in history and communication styles for each generation. Help them reject the stereotypes and misinformation about generations perpetuated by media while at the same time understanding that every generation has developed their worldview in relation to the world in which they grew up and their lived experience.
How do we begin to build strong generational teams? First, begin by having candid conversations with your teams about generational differences and similarities and individual experiences, that differ for each person. Learn more about biases and ensuing microaggressions which cause great harm in the workplace. Begin practicing intentional inclusion and avoid stereotypical comments, inappropriate jokes, and generational-based sarcasm.
From there, create multi-generational teams as often as possible, and intentionally find ways to have face-to-face interactions with members of different generations. Consider setting up employee resource group to address generational issues and make generational diversity a part of your ongoing initiatives.
Building Bridges Across Generations
With five distinct generations now working side by side—from Traditionalists to Gen Z—challenges related to communication, collaboration, and workplace harmony are more prevalent than ever. Generational differences can lead to misunderstandings, microaggressions, and even workplace conflicts, impacting productivity and employee satisfaction.
That’s where our Multigenerational Diversity Training comes in. Our expert-led programs are designed to bridge the gap between generations, empowering your team to recognize and leverage their differences as strengths.
How Multigenerational Diversity Training Helps Your Business Thrive
Our expert-driven training goes beyond surface-level inclusion workshops. We offer real-world solutions tailored to the specific challenges of generational diversity within your organization. Here’s what sets us apart:
Personalized Learning Paths
Every organization is unique. That’s why we customize our training to suit your workforce’s demographics, challenges, and goals.
Flexible Formats
Training on your terms. Choose from:
- Online, self-directed learning.
- Live webinars for interactive sessions.
- On-site training for an immersive experience.
- One-on-one employee or manager coaching.
Bilingual Training Options
Ensure inclusivity across diverse teams with training available in multiple languages.
Practical Impact
Participants gain actionable strategies to:
- Improve workplace communication.
- Build understanding across generations.
- Reduce and resolve generation-based conflicts.
Sustainable Cultural Growth
Diversity Builder’s training addresses current challenges and helps employees reach further in their collaboration; it sets the foundation for long-term, inclusive leadership and collaboration within your company.
Key Benefits of Our Training
Why Choose Our Multigenerational Diversity Training?
- Tailored Learning Paths
Every team is unique, and so is our approach. We customize training sessions to your organization’s needs, considering workforce demographics, industry challenges, and specific pain points.
- Bilingual Training Options
Whether you have a multilingual workforce or operate across diverse regions, our training programs are offered in multiple languages for maximum reach.
- Flexible Formats
Choose from live webinars, on-demand self-directed modules, or onsite, in-person workshops for seamless integration into your workflow.
- Break Down Barriers
Our training improves workplace communication, reduces misunderstanding, and fosters collaboration across generational divides.
- Boost Engagement and Retention
Employees who feel valued and understood are more engaged and less likely to leave. Our training ensures everyone—from seasoned veterans to rising stars—is empowered.
- Inclusive Leadership Development
Equip your leaders with the tools they need to manage, motivate, and inspire multigenerational teams effectively.
- Sustain a Respectful Culture
Lay the foundation for long-term cultural change that promotes respect and equity among employees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is multigenerational diversity training?
Multigenerational diversity training is designed to help teams be aware of generational influences, understand the value of difference in ages within teams, address challenges in communication and work style, and enhance collaboration among employees of the five generations in the workplace including Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.
Is your training customizable?
Absolutely. Diversity Builder tailors each workshop to your organization’s demographics, industry and job roles, core values and mission, .
Who should attend this training?
Generational training is ideal for employees, team leaders, managers/supervisors, and HR professionals looking to foster better collaboration and understanding in a multigenerational workplace.
What’s the format of the training?
Diversity Builder offers flexible formats, including on-site training, live webinars, on-on-one coaching, and self-paced online courses. You choose what works best for your team with hybrid learning options available.
What is intergenerational training in the workplace?
Intergenerational training focuses on the collaboration of all generations present in the workplace. It positions teams to work toward business objectives, project goals, and mission statements.
How soon can we start?
For coaching situations we can start within a week and for onsite workshops, we need a one month lead time. Contact us today, and we’ll schedule an onboarding session at your earliest convenience.