Meagan Johnson - Generational Speaker

Solve Your Challenges and Bridge the Gap between Generations at Your Multigenerational Workforce

Understanding Generations in the Workplace

5 Generations, 1 Workplace: Why Back-to-School Energy Matters

How does the Back-to-School season inspire lifelong learning?

August arrives, and suddenly the world smells like freshly sharpened pencils, notebook paper, and pumpkin spice (yes, it’s almost here… August 26th to be exact). In today’s age, lifelong learning is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s essential. Whether you’re a Boomer being introduced to AI or a Gen Z’er attempting to write a professional email without emojis, every generation has something to learn – and to teach!

The Multigenerational Learning Gap (and Opportunity)

“By 2034, 80% of the workforce in advanced economies will comprise Millennials, Gen Z, and the first Gen Alphas to become adults.” That means five different perspectives on everything from technology to teamwork! 

  • Boomers (1946–1964): Grew up with face-to-face learning. Value hands-on experience and institutional knowledge. Often prefer structured training over “figure it out yourself.”
  • Gen X (1965–1980): The “latchkey kids” turned adaptable professionals. They were comfortable learning solo, skeptical of fads, and fluent in both analog and digital worlds.
  • Millennials (1981–1996): Lifelong Googlers. Thrive on feedback, gamification, and learning that ties to purpose and career growth.
  • Gen Z (1997–2012): Digital natives who love bite-sized, on-demand learning (YouTube, TikTok tutorials). They want speed, relevance, and yes, Wi-Fi that works.
  • Gen Alpha (2013–2025): The youngest, with many still in school. They’ll bring AI fluency and new communication styles into the workplace faster than any generation before them. 
Back-to-School

The opportunity? Cross-generational mentoring. When we pair experience with fresh perspectives, we create a workplace where everyone levels up. Imagine a Boomer teaching leadership skills while a Gen Z teammate shares AI solutions — suddenly, everyone wins.

Why Back-to-School Season Matters at Work

Back-to-school season naturally sparks a “fresh start” mentality — even if you haven’t bought a backpack since 1998. It’s the perfect time to:

Plus, companies that prioritize continuous learning see higher retention rates and innovation, two things every generation can agree on.

The Bottom Line

This August, let’s trade any back-to-school dread feelings for back-to-school energy. Lean into curiosity. Celebrate the fact that we’re never “done” learning. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or you’re busy leading a boardroom, the ability to grow – and grow together – is what keeps us connected.

Friendship in the Workplace: A Hidden Key to Multigenerational Success

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

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

🪄 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.” 

Why World Population Day Matters to Your Workplace Culture

World Population Day, July 11th, reminds us that there are more of us than ever on this big blue planet – over 8 billion, to be exact! That’s a lot of birthdays, opinions, and unread emails. As the world’s demographics evolve, so too does our talent pipeline…

Is your organization ready for what’s next?

World Population Day

What Demographic Trends Are Telling Us

We’re witnessing a workforce evolution in real time. Consider this:

  • The global population under age 25 makes up nearly half the world’s people.
  • People are living and working longer, meaning five (and soon six!) generations will be sharing projects, priorities, and yes, parking spots.
  • Gen Z has already shaken up workplace norms – and Gen Alpha will disrupt the workforce!

In other words, the workforce of tomorrow is already walking into our offices (or logging in from their phones) today. Let’s break down what this means – and how you can adapt without needing Meagan’s decoder card… 

1. 🌐 Digital Natives Prefer Digital Everything

From onboarding to performance reviews, the next-gen workforce wants tech that works as fast as they do. Paper forms? Fax machines? That’s old news.

What to try:

2. 🌎 Purpose Over Paychecks

Younger generations care deeply about diversity, sustainability, and authenticity. Sure, they want to get paid – but they also want to make an impact.

“According to a Monster poll, 83% of Gen-Z respondents said they consider an employer’s commitment to diversity and inclusion when deciding where to work. According to a different survey, 75% of Gen-Zers would think twice before applying for a job at an organization if they weren’t pleased with their efforts to promote diversity and inclusion.” – Forbes

What to try:

  • Share your organization’s values clearly and often
  • Offer volunteer time off or purpose-driven projects
  • Don’t fake the mission – this generation has a world-class lie detector

3. 🌀 Flexibility is the New Stability

Forget 9-to-5. Gen Z and Gen Alpha prioritize work-life integration. Flex hours, remote options, and mental health days aren’t “perks” – they’re expectations. “A report from January 2025 revealed that 83% of surveyed employees value work-life balance in their current or future jobs, even surpassing pay.” — Radancy 

What to try:

What is Gamification?

The most popular definition is “game elements in non-game settings,” but it’s so much more than that! Dr. Zac Fitz-Walter’s expert opinion is that it uses our core human drives.

Gamification

Are You Future-Ready?

Ask yourself:

What About the Other Generations?

This isn’t about replacing anyone – it’s about reimagining how we work together. Boomers bring wisdom. Gen X brings pragmatism. Millennials bring collaboration. Gen Z brings innovation. Gen Alpha will bring…well, we’re still figuring that one out, but it likely involves AI and a lot of acronyms. Cheers to learning and growing as a population together! 

Reflect and Set Intentions with Mid-Year Reset

It’s time to reflect… because the only thing more surprising than how fast June arrived… is realizing January was six months ago!

Whether you’re out lying by the pool this summer or already eyeing Halloween decorations at Target (looking at you, Millennials), June is the perfect midpoint for a self-check in! Not in a harsh, productivity-obsessed way – but in a reflective, life-affirming, “am I still aligned with what matters?” kind of way.

💭 Reflect: What’s Worth Keeping?

Before we go Marie Kondo-ing our calendars, let’s pause to reflect.
Ask yourself: What’s working? What’s draining me? What do I need more or less of? 

Reflection ideas by generation:

Reflect and Set Intentions with Mid-Year Reset

✨ Reset: Tiny Tweaks, Big Energy

No need for a dramatic reinvention. A few well-placed resets can breathe life back into your daily rhythm.

Try one of these intention-friendly resets:

Pro tip: Intention resets are even more powerful when shared. Start a convo with your team, family, or friend group about what’s lighting you up—or what you’re letting go of.

🌱 Recommit: Intention Over Perfection

Let’s drop any guilt about forgotten goals or detours taken. This midyear point is your permission slip to recommit—not to a rigid plan, but to what truly matters. So, whether you’re managing grandkids, managing emails, or managing to hold it together, June is here to remind us that we matter. It’s a moment to pause, breathe, reflect, and reset… with humor, hope, and intention.

Reminder: Your reset doesn’t need to be loud. It just needs to be yours.

Refresh Your Self Care Routine During Summer

Summer is officially here – it’s time to refresh your self-care routine!

Whether you’re a Silent Generation sun-lover or a Gen Z iced-coffee connoisseur, one thing we can all agree on: self-care doesn’t take a vacation. Summer could be the perfect time to hit “refresh” on your self-care routine!

🧓 Traditionalists & Baby Boomers: Stretch, Sip, and Socialize

You’ve put in the decades of hard work – now summer’s your time to unwind with purpose. Your self-care might look like:

  • Move your body gently: Swimming, tai chi in the park, or even an early-morning walk is great for joints and joy.
  • Hydration over hooch: Reach for water before wine, especially in the heat.
  • Say yes to sunscreen: Your dermatologist (and your future self) thanks you!

Self-care mantra: “Relax, recharge, repeat.”

Refresh Your Self Care Routine

👩‍💼 Gen X: Master of the Multitask

You’re juggling work, aging parents, and teens home from school – and you still made it to hot yoga. Impressive! This summer, try:

Self-care mantra: “I allow myself to rest.”

🧑‍💻 Millennials: Sun-Kissed, Self-Aware, Slightly Stressed

You’re reading the wellness blogs, downloaded the apps, and bought the reusable water bottle – but are you genuinely checking in with yourself?

Self-care mantra: “Checking in with myself is helpful and healing.”

🧋 Gen Z: Recharge and Reconnect

You’re navigating life in the fast lane – balancing hustle culture, digital noise, and the pressure to glow-up 24/7. But here’s your summer reminder: rest is productive, and boundaries are self-care.

  • Unplug to reconnect: Set a timer for screen-free hours and swap doomscrolling for journaling, drawing, or cloud-watching.
  • Protect your peace with SPF: Sunscreen is your bestie. Sun damage is so not the vibe.
  • Rest is resistance: Don’t feel guilty for saying no to social plans. A solo recharge night is just as valid as a group hang!

Self-care mantra: “Slowing down isn’t falling behind – it’s finding my rhythm.”

This summer, let self-care be our generational common ground. Whether you’re listening to vinyl or streaming a podcast, we’re all just trying to stay cool, stay kind, and stay sane in the sunshine! 🌞