Skip to main content
  • SHRM
  • Foundation
  • CEO Circle
  • Enterprise Solutions
  • Linkage Logo
  • Store
  • Sign In
  • Account
    • Account
    • Logout
    • Global
    • India
    • MENA
Executive network
About
Apply Now
  • Membership
  • News & Insights
    News & Insights

    Christine Mixan
    People + Strategy Podcast

    The People + Strategy podcast features thought leaders in HR and insights from the world of work.

    • People + Strategy Journal

      People + Strategy is a quarterly journal that delivers the most current theory, research, and practice in strategic human resource management.

    • Research

      Unlock data, research, and expert thought leadership, accelerating your organization’s growth and success.

    • News

      Members of the SHRM Executive Network enjoy access to expert analysis of data from SHRM Research, commentary on current trends, and insights from recent EN events.

  • Networking & Events
    Networking & Events

    Executive Network Experience at SHRM25
    Executive Network Experience at SHRM25

    This private convening is designed to meet your professional business needs as an HR leader.

    • Visionaries Summit

      When you attend the two-day Visionaries Summit, you’ll leave with data-backed ideas and action plans to implement right away.

    • EN:Insights Forum

      The EN:Insights Forums bring together like-minded leaders to explore the latest research on the business strategies and trends that are driving innovation and organizational success.

    • EN:Assembly

      Your trusted circle of HR peers for thought leadership, collaboration, and support.

Close
  • Membership
  • News & Insights
    back
    News & Insights
    Christine Mixan
    People + Strategy Podcast

    The People + Strategy podcast features thought leaders in HR and insights from the world of work.

    • People + Strategy Journal

      People + Strategy is a quarterly journal that delivers the most current theory, research, and practice in strategic human resource management.

    • Research

      Unlock data, research, and expert thought leadership, accelerating your organization’s growth and success.

    • News

      Members of the SHRM Executive Network enjoy access to expert analysis of data from SHRM Research, commentary on current trends, and insights from recent EN events.

  • Networking & Events
    back
    Networking & Events
    Executive Network Experience at SHRM25
    Executive Network Experience at SHRM25

    This private convening is designed to meet your professional business needs as an HR leader.

    • Visionaries Summit

      When you attend the two-day Visionaries Summit, you’ll leave with data-backed ideas and action plans to implement right away.

    • EN:Insights Forum

      The EN:Insights Forums bring together like-minded leaders to explore the latest research on the business strategies and trends that are driving innovation and organizational success.

    • EN:Assembly

      Your trusted circle of HR peers for thought leadership, collaboration, and support.

About
Apply Now
  • Store
    • Global
    • India
    • MENA
  • SHRM
  • Foundation
  • CEO Circle
  • Enterprise Solutions
  • Linkage Logo
Executive network
Sign In
  • Account
    • Account
    • Logout
Close

  1. Executive News & Insights
  2. 5 Generations Are Now Working Together: Here's How Smart Leaders Are Making the Most of It
Share
  • Linked In
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus convallis sem tellus, vitae egestas felis vestibule ut.


Error message details.

Copy button
Reuse Permissions

Request permission to republish or redistribute SHRM content and materials.


Learn More
News

5 Generations Are Now Working Together: Here's How Smart Leaders Are Making the Most of It

Because wisdom is not governed by age but rather by knowledge, expertise and curiosity to grow, the future of a successful organization may depend on mutual mentorship and speed mentoring.

February 24, 2023 | Nick Sonnenberg

A group of people sitting around a table in an office.


​As age-diversity in the workplace is becoming more pronounced, leaders should cultivate a mutual exchange of knowledge to bridge the generation gap.

Leaders across America are currently facing a unique challenge: the largest generation gap in history. The workplace is now more age-diverse than ever before, with five generations--Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z--working side-by-side.

This age diversity among employees can be seen as both a blessing and a curse. While the different attitudes and communication styles between different age groups might lead to misunderstandings and conflict, you can also take it as a rare opportunity for a wealth of knowledge and experience to be shared between generations. By cultivating mutual mentorship in your organization, you can make the most of this diverse workforce.

We often view mentorship as a one-way street, with senior executives taking fresh graduates under their wings to help them develop their skills and grow as professionals. However, as more Baby Boomers are returning to the workforce after retirement, they may need assistance from younger generations to adapt to the changes in the modern workplace.

Chip Conley, best-selling author and renowned hotelier, knows firsthand that knowledge transfer works both ways. Conley gained this insight while serving as an adviser at Airbnb, coining the term Modern Elder to describe senior executives who are not only sharing their wisdom but are also open to receiving mentorship from their younger counterparts.

Here's his take on how business leaders can make the most of this generational gap by fostering mutual mentorship in their workplace.

Bridging the gap with mutual mentorship

Generation Z began entering the workforce in the mid-2010s, and currently, Millennials make up 35 percent of the total workforce. By 2030, it's projected that both generations will make up almost 74 percent of the workforce. Until then, Baby Boomers and Generation X, which make up more than half of the current workforce, have a chance to act as Modern Elders to guide the younger generations and, at the same time, upgrade their skills to adapt to the post-pandemic work environment.

Conley believes that the future of a successful organization depends on mutual mentorship. Wisdom is not governed by age but rather by knowledge, expertise, and curiosity to grow. And it's this perfect alchemy of curiosity and wisdom that sets Modern Elders apart from traditional mentors. They not only possess good judgment, specialized knowledge and a large network of contacts, but they're also self-aware, humble and hungry to learn new ideas.

Moreover, the younger generations have their own unique form of wisdom. Millennials and Generation Z have the advantage of growing up with the internet and rapid technological advancement, acquiring a skill set that could benefit Baby Boomers and even Traditionalists. But the unfortunate reality is that younger employees are far less inclined to share their knowledge with their older peers for fear of causing conflict or embarrassment.

This is where leaders come in.

Leading by example

The first step to cultivating a relationship of mutual mentorship among different age groups within your company is to become a Modern Elder yourself. Regardless of your age or that of your team, try to dedicate time and effort to act as a mentor to your employees.

Here are simple steps to get you started: 

  • Reach out to members of your team who you think would benefit from your expertise and who can also provide you with knowledge in an area that you want to learn more about.
  • Outline your respective roles and responsibilities, as well as the goals you both hope to achieve from this mentorship.
  • Allow for a respectful exchange of perspectives and experiences, even in your own area of expertise.
  • Finally, carve out a time in your schedule for questions and regular check-ins. 

This will get the ball rolling and showcase an ideal model of mutual mentorship that anyone in the company can replicate.

Speed mentoring

Instead of focusing on formalizing the mentorship process, try creating an environment that supports mutual mentorship in a group setting.

Conley recommends speed mentoring, which is a practice he had encouraged at Airbnb. Speed mentoring is basically a cross between speed dating and mentoring, with people being paired up and given a set amount of time to talk to each other about a certain topic. The goal is to provide mentees with a quick overview of a certain subject or field and allow them to ask questions.

The best part is, this practice allows for a more equal exchange of knowledge, as both parties are able to take turns sharing their expertise. By bringing together employees of different ages and allowing them to interact on a regular basis, you break down any barriers that may exist between different age groups. This promotes cohesion and productivity in your workplace, where all employees feel comfortable working together.

This article was written by Nick Sonnenberg from Inc. and was legally licensed through the Industry Dive Content Marketplace. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com. 


Age
Global Mindset
Inclusion and Diversity
Mentoring and Coaching
Organizational & Employee Development

Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace

​An organization run by AI is not a futuristic concept. Such technology is already a part of many workplaces and will continue to shape the labor market and HR. Here's how employers and employees can successfully manage generative AI and other AI-powered systems.



Related Content

Kelly Dobbs Bunting speaks onstage at SHRM24
(opens in a new tab)
News
Why AI+HI Is Essential to Compliance

HR must always include human intelligence and oversight of AI in decision-making in hiring and firing, a legal expert said at SHRM24. She added that HR can ensure compliance by meeting the strictest AI standards, which will be in Colorado’s upcoming AI law.

(opens in a new tab)
News
A 4-Day Workweek? AI-Fueled Efficiencies Could Make It Happen

The proliferation of artificial intelligence in the workplace, and the ensuing expected increase in productivity and efficiency, could help usher in the four-day workweek, some experts predict.

(opens in a new tab)
News
How One Company Uses Digital Tools to Boost Employee Well-Being

Learn how Marsh McLennan successfully boosts staff well-being with digital tools, improving productivity and work satisfaction for more than 20,000 employees.

HR Daily Newsletter

Stay up to date with the latest HR news, trends, and expert advice each business day.

Success title

Success caption

Manage Subscriptions
  • About SHRM
  • Careers at SHRM
  • Press Room
  • Contact SHRM
  • Book a SHRM Executive Speaker
  • Advertise with Us
  • Partner with Us
  • Copyright & Permissions
  • Post a Job
  • Find an HR Job
Follow Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • SHRM Newsletters
  • Ask An Advisor

© 2025 SHRM. All Rights Reserved

SHRM provides content as a service to its readers and members. It does not offer legal advice, and cannot guarantee the accuracy or suitability of its content for a particular purpose. Disclaimer


  1. Privacy Policy

  2. Terms of Use

  3. Accessibility

Join SHRM for Exclusive Access to Member Content

SHRM Members enjoy unlimited access to articles and exclusive member resources.

Already a member?
Free Article
Limit Reached

Get unlimited access to articles and member-exclusive resources.

You've reached the limit of 1 free article this month. Join to access unlimited articles and member-only resources.

Already a member?
Free Article
Exclusive Executive-Level Content

This content is for the SHRM Executive Network and Executive Content Subscription members only.

You've reached the limit of 1 free article this month. Join the Executive Network and enjoy unlimited content.

Already a member?
Free Article
Exclusive Executive-Level Content

This content is for the SHRM Executive Network and Executive Content Subscription members only.

You've reached the limit of 1 free article this month. Join and enjoy unlimited access to SHRM Executive Network Content.

Already a member?
Unlock Your Career with SHRM Membership

Please enjoy this free resource! Join SHRM for unlimited access to exclusive articles and tools.

Already a member?

Your membership is almost expired! Renew today for unlimited access to member content.

Renew now

Your membership has expired. Renew today for unlimited access to member content.

Renew Now

Your Executive Network membership is nearing its expiration. Renew now to maintain access.

Renew Now

Your membership has expired. Renew your Executive Network benefits today.

Renew Now