Multiple generations in the workplace: the power of difference

Generational Differences in the Workplace: Challenge or Opportunity?

Every generation is shaped by the time in which they grew up. You can see that reflected in communication styles, work habits, and expectations. Sound familiar? Different ways of collaborating, communicating, or setting priorities?

Stereotypes? We know them – and break them

Each generation comes with its own reputation. Baby Boomers are said to be slow and not tech-savvy. Generation X is seen as stuck in old habits. Millennials? Supposedly lazy and spoiled, always chasing purpose and flexibility. Generation Z gets labeled as unrealistic or glued to their phones. And the Pragmatic generation? Often seen as invisible – too young for senior roles, too old for startup culture.

These stereotypes are often inaccurate and get in the way of effective collaboration. At Conclusion, we prefer to look beyond birth years and focus on the person. One may bring experience, another innovation. One offers structure, the other flexibility.

By moving past the stereotypes, we create space for real collaboration. We believe true growth happens when you're seen for who you are. Every generation adds value to a team. Together, we go further.

Working Across Generations at Conclusion

• Generation Z (±1996 – 2012)
  Raised with tech and social media, values diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. Expects flexibility and autonomy at work, learns quickly, but also seeks stability. Brings digital skills and fresh ideas.
  
  
• Millennials / Generation Y (±1981 – 1995)
  Digitally skilled and adaptable, seeks purpose and growth in work, team-oriented and social, values feedback and coaching. Builds bridges and looks for meaning.
  
  
• Generation X / Pragmatics (±1965 – 1980)
  Pragmatic, independent, and calm under pressure. Values work-life balance, brings experience, and often holds leadership roles. Bridges the gap between analog and digital, and connects easily across age groups.
  
  
• Baby Boomers (±1946 – 1964)
  Loyal to their employer, values hierarchy and structure, strong work ethic, less digitally fluent but eager to learn.

What does working across generations bring?

At Conclusion, we believe that diversity in age and experience leads to better results. That’s why we actively encourage cross-generational collaboration in projects, coaching, and knowledge sharing. And it pays off:

• More innovation: Younger colleagues ask why, older colleagues know how.
• Faster development: Mentorship helps everyone grow more quickly.
• Better decision-making: Different perspectives lead to richer insights.
• Stronger teams: Teams that embrace generational differences are more resilient and inclusive.

What does that mean for you as a future colleague?

At Conclusion, you’ll have the space to be yourself and to grow — whether you’re just starting out or already bring years of experience. We believe that true job satisfaction comes when you feel seen, heard, and valued. And strong collaboration between colleagues of different generations plays a big part in that.

That’s why we invest in:

• Mentoring and coaching across generations
• Hybrid working and room for autonomy
• Project teams with a mix of ages and backgrounds
• A culture of openness, learning, and growing together

Webinar: Generational Power

To raise awareness about the strength of diversity, we hosted the webinar Generatiekracht (“Generational Power”). In this session, Gijs van Helvoort — Performance Coach for FC Twente, Visma Lease a Bike, and StukTV — shared his insights on what drives different generations.

Gijs understands both the strengths and the challenges of each generation. And just like in top-level sports and entertainment, teams in the workplace also thrive when generations work together.

At Conclusion, we regularly organize webinars for our colleagues on a wide range of topics. This one showed just how valuable generational diversity can be at work.

Ready to work with both young and experienced talent?

At Conclusion, we’re building the future together — in teams where younger and older generations collaborate. With space for your ideas, your style, and your energy.

No matter which generation you belong to, every generation brings value. Strong collaboration between young and old helps both Conclusion and you, as a future colleague, move forward.