4 ways to bridge generational gaps at work

"When generational harmony fails, it's rarely because one generation is unwilling to listen. It's because the organization lacks alignment on the fundamentals. When there isn't clarity, everyday decisions start to feel personal, strategy becomes something that's up for debate, change feels risky instead of necessary."

"But when clarity is strong, something shifts. Different generations stop competing for control and start collaborating around a shared future."

"Family-owned businesses offer a powerful lens on this issue. In the U.S., approximately 87% of businesses are family-owned, collectively employing millions of people and contributing significantly to the American GDP. These companies don't have the luxury of avoiding generational dynamics: succession, legacy, and long-term survival depend on navigating them well."

Generational conflict in workplaces is commonly attributed to stereotypical age-based differences, but research across founder-led and multi-generational companies reveals the true cause is organizational clarity. Family-owned businesses, representing 87% of U.S. enterprises, demonstrate that generational harmony depends on alignment regarding fundamentals rather than willingness to listen. Without clarity, routine decisions become personal, strategy becomes debatable, and change feels risky. When organizations establish strong clarity on core elements, different generations shift from competing for control to collaborating toward shared objectives. Four foundational elements consistently foster generational harmony within workplace cultures.

Read at Fast Company