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Bridging the generation gap: Tips to harness the skills of a multi-generational workforce
August 5, 2025
Our employment law expert, Rachel, examines how to avoid age-related conflicts, support different generations to work together effectively and prevent age discrimination.
The typically-recognised generations that can be found in today’s workforce are:
While it’s important to avoid stereotyping, statistics have shown that on average, these different groups can have very different priorities, communication styles and ways of working.
There are both challenges and opportunities for employers arising out of this multi-generational pool of employees. Research by Survation in 2024 showed that while 7 in 10 employers thought that there are significant benefits in having an age-diverse workforce, nearly 4 in 10 also thought that it can lead to difficulties in communication and collaboration.
As well as that, if things go really wrong, clashes can arise which can lead to legal disputes being started by employees against their employers.
What are the legal pitfalls and how can employers avoid them?
Under the Equality Act 2010, age is a protected characteristic, meaning that all employees and workers in the UK are protected against discrimination (either direct or indirect) on the grounds of age. Employers which fall foul of this by, for example, trying to force their employees to retire, overlooking older or younger employees for promotion, or using discriminatory wording in job adverts can face costly Employment Tribunal claims.
There is also a risk of harassment claims being brought under the Equality Act if employees make age-related comments, jokes, or incorrect assumptions about each other.
In order to prevent these disputes from arising and help their staff to work together effectively, employers should consider the following:
What are the opportunities and how can you harness them?
The workforce is only growing more age-diverse over time and employers they will need to embrace this, and the opportunities it brings, in order to adapt to a changing world. Having 5 different generations in your team means that you have access to a wide range of skills – from the (typically) technologically-savvy younger generations to the knowledge and experience brought by longer-serving employees.
Helping your employees to understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses and share their skills with each other will mean that your workforce is working to the same goals and in the most effective ways. This can include:
How can I find out more?
Our employment law experts will be discussing this fascinating topic in the first session of our free 8-part Autumn Webinar Series on 10 September 2025 at 11am. The series of 45-minute sessions will help HR professionals, in-house legal teams, line managers, and business leaders navigate key developments in UK employment law with confidence. You can book your free place to one or all of the series here.
You can also reach out to our employment law experts on 02920 829 100 or via our Contact Us form.
To speak to one of our experts today, please contact us on 02920 829 100 or by using our Contact Us form for a free initial chat to see how we can help.
