Generational Employee Engagement

July 30 marks International Day of Friendship, a day when the United Nations reminds us that global peace begins with something simple, accessible, and beautifully human: friendship.

And while we often associate friendship as something born on playgrounds, through late-night talks, or over shared Spotify playlists, let’s not underestimate the power of friendship in the workplace – especially between generations. You are reportedly 7 times more likely to be productive at work if you have a close friend working with you! 

🌱 Friendship is More Than a Nice-to-Have

The UN believes friendship fosters social harmony and development. We believe it also helps:

• Reduce workplace stress
• Increase cross-generational empathy
• Transform coworkers into allies

“Gallup has repeatedly shown that having best friends at work is key to employee engagement and job success. Gallup data indicate that having a best friend at work is strongly linked to business outcomes, including profitability, safety, inventory control, and retention.”

🚫 Generational Stereotypes Block Connection

• “Boomers don’t listen.”
• “Gen Z only thinks about themselves.”
• “Millennials are too sensitive.”
• “Gen X – wait, where is Gen X?”

These kinds of assumptions block connection and limit collaboration. But friendship breaks those walls. It says: “I see you, I value you, let’s figure this out together.” Friendship invites vulnerability and curiosity – two things every generation could use more of.

💡 3 Ways to Connect on Friendship Day

• Lead with Curiosity, Not Animosity
  Ask open-ended questions like, “What was your first job like?” or “What’s something you wish people understood about your generation?” You’ll be amazed at what you uncover when you listen without preconceived notions.
• Celebrate Weird Holidays
  From National Margarita Day to Potato Lovers Month, find the humor in shared celebrations! Friendship grows in the small, silly moments.
• Volunteer Together
  Working together on something non-work related – like a community clean-up, spending a day at an animal shelter, or even planting trees as a team – naturally forges bonds and reveals shared values. “80% of consumers are more likely to buy from and 84% of employees are more likely to work for a company that stands up for the environment.”

🪄 Friendship Is a Powerful Reminder

Friendship is essential for living in a world filled with technology and distractions. It softens misunderstandings, strengthens bonds, and opens doors to collaboration we never knew were possible. When we invest in friendships, we build trust, empathy, and resilience between communities. We reduce stress, increase morale, and remind each other that no one has to figure it all out alone.

“In a world that can often feel divided, World Friendship Day is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and the difference we can make by reaching out and supporting one another.” 

Happy April Fools’ Day – an entire holiday dedicated to goofing off, playing tricks, and sharing a good laugh! While we don’t exchange gifts or experience elaborate celebrations, April 1st offers something far more valuable: permission to be silly. What if we stopped treating it like a throwaway day and started seeing it for what it is – a philosophy we could all use a little more of, especially in our multigenerational workplaces and homes? Although it may seem silly on the surface, beneath the laughter lies something far more meaningful: a celebration of humor, humility, and human connection. And in our multigenerational world – where five generations are working, living, and learning side by side – that connection has never been more important.

A Brief (and Mysterious) History of April Fools’ Day

The origins of April Fools’ Day are a bit of a mystery, which feels oddly appropriate for a holiday built on surprises. Some historians trace it back to the 16th century when France switched from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar. Those who didn’t get the memo (or just refused to accept the change) continued to celebrate New Year’s Day in late March and early April. They were dubbed “April Fools” and often became targets of jokes and pranks.

Others link the holiday to ancient festivals like Hilaria, a Roman celebration of joy and mischief, or even seasonal shifts where nature itself seems to play tricks – one day it’s snowing, the next it’s sunny. Regardless of where it started, April Fools’ Day has stood the test of time because it taps into something universal: our love of laughter! 

Why Laughter Matters (More Than Ever)

Laughter isn’t just a fun distraction – it’s a biological, emotional, and social superpower.

The benefits of laughter include:

• Lower stress and improved mood
• Increased trust and group cohesion
• Enhanced creativity and problem-solving
• Improved communication across differences
• Stronger emotional resilience in challenging times

In other words, humor isn’t just a workplace perk or a family tradition – it’s a bridge between people, especially people from different generations.

How to Use Humor to Connect Across Generations

Want to build stronger relationships with your multigenerational team or family? Let humor lead the way. Here’s how:

• Share stories from your own “foolish” moments – vulnerability builds connection.
• Laugh at yourself! It shows humility, which is universally respected.
• Appreciate each generation’s comedic style – and don’t be afraid to ask what they find funny.
• Create space for levity – whether it’s a funny team email, a family game night, or a lighthearted group chat.
• Celebrate April Fools’ Day not just with pranks but with a purpose – to bring people together, not to put them down.

A Final Thought: Be the Fool

In mythology and storytelling, The Fool isn’t just a prankster. He’s the one brave enough to step into the unknown, to try something new, to risk looking silly for the sake of discovery. The Fool represents possibility, playfulness, and progress.

Let’s take a cue from the Fool in a world that can feel divided by age, experience, or perspective. Let’s laugh more. Judge less. Connect often. Whether you’re 18 or 80, there’s something powerful in pausing to smile, tell a joke, and say, “We’re all just figuring it out together.”

The beauty of humor is that it evolves – but the need to laugh together is timeless! 

While turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie are some must-haves around Thanksgiving, other essential ingredients are connection, humor, and meaningful moments! With multiple generations gathered around one table (or Zoom screen), Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to appreciate the unique perspectives we each bring. Every generation has a unique approach and being mindful about personal preferences can help make everyone’s holidays more enjoyable.

Before gathering around the table, let’s consider how we can connect with the multiple generations! 

Connecting with Multiple Generations

• Baby Boomers (1946–1964): Boomers often cherish long-standing Thanksgiving traditions, help prepare meals, and value reflective moments of gratitude. Questions like, “What’s your favorite Thanksgiving memory?” or “How has Thanksgiving changed over the years?” can create meaningful conversations.
• Generation X (1965–1980): Often balancing work, family, and hosting duties, Gen Xers appreciate efficiency and creativity during the holidays. If they’re hosting, ask how you can assist. Bringing a side dish or helping with cleanup goes a long way.
• Millennials (1981–1996): Millennials love to make Thanksgiving their own, often hosting “Friendsgiving” celebrations in addition to traditional family gatherings. Millennials value collaboration, so involve them in planning the meals or activities! For example, let them curate a Thanksgiving playlist or suggest a unique side dish. 
• Generation Z (1997–2012): Tech-savvy and trend-driven, Gen Z loves documenting the holiday for social media. They appreciate transparency and humor. Share funny or imperfect Thanksgiving moments to make the gathering feel real and relatable.
• Generation Alpha (2013–present): The youngest generation brings pure joy to Thanksgiving with their unfiltered excitement and curious questions about family traditions. Keep them entertained with crafts, like making gratitude turkeys or decorating cookies. Maybe even share fun facts like, “Did you know cranberries can bounce?!”

Activities & Games for Thanksgiving Fun

“According to the National Institute for Play (NIFPlay), “play is as critical to the development of a human being as sleep and nutrition.” It strengthens the connection in our brains that controls our ability to regulate emotions and solve problems. One study found that engaging in play for just twenty minutes a day could improve mood, quality of sleep, and reduce stress.” Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or colleagues, incorporating games and activities can turn any gathering into a space of connection and collaboration.

Thanksgiving with Colleagues

1. Gratitude Wall: Set up a “Gratitude Wall” in the office or use a digital tool like Padlet for remote teams. Each team member writes what they’re thankful for on sticky notes (physical or virtual). Add a twist by encouraging generational reflections, like “What’s one technology you’re thankful for?” or “What tradition makes you feel grateful?” Get inspiration from these 19 Fun Gratitude Wall Ideas for the Office from teambuilding.com! 
2. Generational Trivia: Divide employees into teams with representatives from different generations. Trivia questions should cover various topics, such as “What was the best-selling toy in 1985?” or “Who was the top artist on Spotify in 2023?” Check out jeopardylabs.com for a fun virtual experience with categories ranging from Traditionalists to Generation Z! 
3. Pie Swap: “We’ve all heard of cookie swaps, but have you heard of pie swaps? If you’re in-person, each team member can bring a pie (homemade or store-bought) to share with the team. If your team enjoys some friendly competition, have everyone vote for their favorite pie and award a prize to the winning baker.”

Thanksgiving with Friends & Family

4. Thanksgiving Time Capsule: Create a time capsule with contributions from family members and/or friends—write letters to future selves, including photos, or small items representing the year. Set a future date to open the capsule, such as five or ten Thanksgivings from now, to reflect on how things have evolved.
5. Generational Charades: Prepare prompts based on cultural moments from different eras, like “Doing the Moonwalk,” “Explaining AOL,” or “Recreating a TikTok dance.” Teams must act out the prompts while others guess. Consider playing Mind the Gap — “the ultimate generational trivia game that includes pop culture questions from Boomer, Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z generations, as well as hilarious challenges that will get you out of your seat to recreate nostalgia from everyone’s glory days.“

Humor: The Universal Connector

When all else fails, Thanksgiving is a perfect time to laugh together. Shared laughter fosters a sense of belonging and community. It’s a powerful reminder that despite our differences, we’re all human. Playing lighthearted games, sharing funny holiday memories, or watching a classic comedy goes a long way. “For people who are laughing together, shared laughter signals that they see the world in the same way, and it momentarily boosts their sense of connection,” says social psychologist Sara Algoe, co-author of the study with Laura Kurtz. Let’s zap the Thanksgiving gap this year with gratitude, humor, and connection—and create a holiday everyone will be thankful for!

In a world filled with diverse viewpoints, cultures, and beliefs, we often find ourselves divided… not just by our preferences and opinions but also by the years we were born. Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, Gen Zers, and now Gen Alpha all navigate the world with unique lenses, shaped by distinct events, technologies, and societal shifts.

A term I use to describe these distinct events and shifts is “generational signposts.” These signposts can be profound, creating additional barriers and misunderstandings. As we celebrate World Kindness Day (international observance on November 13th), it’s worth considering: Can kindness be the bridge that helps us “zap the generational gap”?

This question lies at the heart of my message as a generational speaker and enthusiast! I’ve spent over two decades connecting with organizations and associations, helping them tackle generational challenges, myths, and misunderstandings head-on. Every generation carries its own set of assumptions and judgments, often rooted in stereotypes. We might think, “Millennials are entitled,” or “Boomers don’t know how to use technology.” These beliefs create barriers before we even get to know each other! But kindness challenges these assumptions. Kindness means we’re willing to look beyond the surface and consider each individual. It’s a commitment to seeing people for who they truly are, rather than reducing them to any stereotypes.

How Kindness Breaks Down Barriers

According to the Mayo Clinic, a “simple, free, positive and healthy” act of kindness can:

• Increase the giver’s self-esteem, empathy, and compassion
• Improve mood
• Decrease blood pressure and cortisol (a stress hormone)
• Increase connectivity to others, enhancing relationships and reducing loneliness
• Release endorphins and boost serotonin and dopamine, lighting up your brain’s pleasure centers and leading to a feeling of satisfaction and well-being. 

Consider implementing one of these DEI activities this November: 

“Random Acts of Kindness” Cross-Generational Challenge

• Invite employees from different generations to participate in a “random acts of kindness” challenge over a week. Encourage them to participate in small, thoughtful acts for someone from a different generation. Examples include sending a personalized note, sharing a helpful article or resource, or even offering to mentor or learn from someone of a different age group. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation has FREE Kindness in the Workplace resources, like the one below.

Kindness Brainstorm for Community Impact

• Organize an intergenerational brainstorming session to generate ideas on how the team or organization could give back to the local community. Teams should be mixed generationally and asked to work together on a kindness-themed project, such as a volunteer day or fundraising campaign. “Many studies have shown that volunteer programs boost productivity, increase employee engagement, and improve hiring and retention. For example, a study I conducted in 2013 showed that the more people volunteered (even if it was on their own time instead of on company time), the better they performed on work tasks.” – Harvard Business Review

Multicultural Holiday Potluck & Recipe Swap

• “Multicultural potlucks provide a space for building community and connection while celebrating workplace diversity and inclusion.  No matter what the cuisine, each unique dish carries with it a story, a history, and a heritage, and offers an opportunity to cross borders and share new experiences.” Host a holiday potluck and encourage employees to bring dishes that represent their cultural or generational backgrounds. To add a kindness element, pair people up to share why their dish is meaningful, encouraging cross-generational connections. For ideas, check out these 23 Diverse Potluck Ideas for the Office by CultureAlly! 

World Kindness Day – Key to Multigenerational Connection & Collaboration

World Kindness Day reminds us that kindness is a universal language and a powerful tool for fostering genuine multigenerational collaboration. We often think of kindness as something “soft”—a warm smile, a friendly gesture, or an encouraging word. Kindness is powerful. Kindness is a fundamental part of the human condition which bridges the divides of race, religion, politics, gender, and location. It can disarm, to open minds, and to build trust. When applied across generations, it becomes a catalyst for connection and growth.