Towards the end of their career, experienced employees often rub shoulders with younger people at work; here’s how to get the most out of intergenerational collaboration
By Marie-Josée Roy
Charles was in his early 50s when he left an IT job—where he was bored to death—to take on a new professional challenge. “I joined a company specializing in video games; the average age of my colleagues was 30,” he says, adding that it was a big adjustment for him. “At the beginning, I felt a bit out of touch, but over time, I built connections with the team. The experience opened my mind.”
Mixed Feelings
The arrival of a younger boss or younger colleagues can provoke various reactions in an experienced worker, but younger workers can be a breath of fresh air. “It can cause a person to question their value and create some resistance, but it can also be positive and give them a desire to break out of their usual habits and learn new things,” says Julie Péloquin, spokesperson for the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés (Order of Certified Human Resources Professionals).
Amélie Doucet, a doctoral student in Work and Organizational Psychology, says that stereotypes can colour your perception of the situation. “Younger workers are often seen as more individualistic, less respectful of the hierarchy—these are stereotypes,” she says. Also, most people find it easier to like those who are like them.
“We see ourselves in the other person because we have things in common, such as age, background, or a certain hobby; this sense of familiarity is often an asset when it comes to strengthening relationships,” she explains. “But when there are dissimilarities, it can place obstacles in relationships.”
Open-Mindedness
When a younger colleague or boss arrives, it’s essential to try to start the relationship on a solid footing. “It’s best to have a positive attitude from the outset,” Péloquin says. “You have to want the team’s and the brand’s success as much as your own. Being humble, being collegial, and making an effort to fit in: that’s the part that’s up to us.” Doucet agrees, advising that any prejudices be set aside. “You have to consider the person despite the preconceived ideas you may have,” she says. “If that person is in the job, it’s surely because they have skills. By going beyond stereotypes, you can find common ground on which to build a relationship.”
The Desire to Learn
You’re never too old to learn new things. Showing that you’re curious and interested is one of the best ways to find your place on a younger team. If you want to become more comfortable with new technologies, try to use them in your personal life. “During the pandemic, many people learned to use tools such as Zoom, Teams, or FaceTime,” Doucet says.
“Sometimes, your job pushes you to change your habits. It’s been shown that this motivation to try new things is very important for befriending technology. It becomes a springboard rather than an obstacle.” To ensure optimal communication, clarify expectations and preferences with your manager or younger colleagues, and ask for help if you need it.
The Value of Experience
The newly arrived thirtysomething boss doesn’t yet know your range of capabilities and your qualities, so be patient. “Believe in your value,” Péloquin says. “Assets such as competence, loyalty, and satisfaction in a job well done will not go unnoticed.”
Experienced workers have a lot to share with younger ones, as long as they use tact and avoid the trap of paternalism. “The trust relationship, which is needed so the other person listens to your ideas, has to be built,” she says. “You have to invest in that relationship so that your words have weight.” Even if offered with the best intentions, an approach that is essentially patronizing can be poorly received. Péloquin advises replacing phrases such as “When I was your age…” or “My daughter does that, too” with “Have you considered this option?” or “Something similar happened to me, and here’s what I did.” With the right words, you can help your ideas land well.
Undeniable Advantages
Charles found a good fit in his new job. “It allowed me to update my knowledge,” he says. “Being shaken up is sometimes a good thing.” Being exposed to experiences different from your own can also turn out to be very stimulating. “The younger person offers a new perspective that can enrich not only the work but also their colleague’s personal life,” Doucet says.
The enthusiasm of younger generations is another asset to consider. For Péloquin, the richness of conversations and perspectives is a big advantage: “There’s intellectual stimulation on both sides—mutual learning. When you have inclusive and diverse teams, everyone wins. It helps you find more creative, more complementary solutions, where you can combine experience and expertise with new trends and approaches. Young people also bring a kind of enthusiasm, a spontaneity, that you can soak up.”
