Understanding Generations in the Workplace

May 15 2026

Closing the Generation Gap

One of society’s (or maybe just the internet’s) favorite activities is pitting generations against one another. Baby Boomers vs. Millennials, Gen X vs. Gen Z, and so on. The differences between the groups provide endless fodder for arguments about age, attitude, and work ethic.

At the most recent CAMEX event, held in Phoenix, AZ, earlier this year, there was even a session about how the various generations interact. Meagan Johnson discussed how to “Zap the Generation Gap!” That concept is being explored on several fronts.

Zapping the Generation Gap

It boils down to understanding. Knowing how a given generation views and interacts with the world can help campus stores (and other operations) get the most out of their employees.
According to a report from Hanover Research, “Teenagers and young adults have different expectations about higher education than previous generations.”

“Generation Z is diverse, altruistic, adept with AI and technology, and optimistic about their personal futures,” the report continues. “Yet they are also cost sensitive, debt averse, and more skeptical than ever about the value of a college degree.”

That skepticism seems to be shared by a broader group. According to a Gallup report, only 35% of Americans view a college education as “very important.” Just seven years ago, that figure sat at 53%.

“To effectively engage Gen Z students and begin outreach to Gen Alpha, it’s more critical than ever for higher education leaders to adapt their outreach, recruitment, and retention efforts to meet these students’ changing needs, priorities, and expectations,” according to Hannover Research.

There are more than 70 million Gen Z Americans, those born between 1997 and 2012. Hanover Research offers nine tips for institutions interested in appealing to that age group.

The organization’s suggestions include:

•   Highlighting accelerated programs, flexible start dates, and experiential learning.
•   Adapting teaching methods to Gen Z learning styles
•   Provide training and support on technology, software, and devices.
•   Increase faculty and staff accessibility to students through multiple communication channels.

More tools and strategies can be found in the Hanover Research report.

Feb 23 2026

Mentorship, Purpose, and Connection: What the Multigenerational Workforce Is Asking For Now

The workplace has changed – dramatically. And while each generation experiences that change differently, one thing is clear: people are asking for more connection, not less.

After years of disruption, remote work experiments, and shifting expectations, the multigenerational workforce isn’t broken. It’s recalibrating.

Mentorship Isn’t Optional – It’s Essential

One of the clearest signals across generations is the desire for guidance and growth. Gen Z has been especially vocal about wanting mentorship, but this isn’t a “young employee issue.” It’s a human one.

Mentorship helps people feel seen. It builds trust. It accelerates learning. And it doesn’t have to look the same for everyone.

Organizations are finding success by expanding what mentorship can be:

onboarding mentors for new hires
group mentoring circles
virtual or cross-location mentorship
reverse mentoring that flows both ways

The goal isn’t perfection – it’s intentional connection.

Purpose Isn’t Anti-Pay

There’s a misconception that talking about purpose means ignoring compensation. That’s not what’s happening. Pay still matters – to every generation.

What’s changed is that many employees, especially those who entered the workforce during uncertain times, want to understand why their work matters. Purpose gives context. It helps people stay engaged, motivated, and invested.

Organizations that connect daily work to a broader mission tend to see stronger performance and lower turnover. Purpose isn’t a perk – it’s a stabilizer.

Different Generations, Shared Needs

Here’s the part that often gets overlooked: while generations may express needs differently, the core desires are remarkably similar.

People want:

to feel valued
to grow
to belong
to contribute meaningfully

The difference isn’t what people want – it’s how they ask for it. When leaders manage by stereotype, they miss opportunities. When they lead with curiosity, they invite collaboration.

Better Questions, Better Outcomes

Instead of assuming what motivates someone, try asking:

How do you prefer to learn or receive feedback?
What makes a workday feel meaningful to you?
What kind of support helps you do your best work?

These questions don’t require generational expertise. They require attention.

Moving Forward Together

The future of work isn’t about choosing one generation’s preferences over another’s. It’s about building environments where experience, adaptability, and perspective work together.

When organizations invest in mentorship, honor purpose, and create space for connection, everyone benefits. And that’s not a generational trend – it’s good leadership.

Jan 13 2026

Year of the Horse 2026: How to Turn Reflection Into Momentum

The Year of the Horse is approaching… and the energy shift is noticeable!

January is always an interesting month! Half of us are fired up with goals and fresh planners. The other half of us are still wondering what day it is and whether it’s acceptable to start over in February!

Which, conveniently, works perfectly because while the calendar year has already started, the Chinese Year of the Snake is still wrapping up. On February 17th, we officially welcome the Year of the Horse.

If the Snake were a coworker, it would be the one quietly observing in meetings, saying very little, and somehow still knowing exactly what’s going on. The Snake represents wisdom, intuition, patience, and thoughtful change. It isn’t flashy, it doesn’t rush, and it definitely doesn’t announce its growth with a PowerPoint slide.

The Horse, on the other hand? The Horse jumps in and says, “Okay, what are we doing next?”

Before We Charge Forward…

Before Horse energy kicks in, the final weeks of the Snake invite us to pause. Take a moment to look back at the year we’re closing. Not to critique it. Not to overanalyze it. Just to notice it.

Ask yourself:

What did I learn that I didn’t expect?
Where did slowing down help, even when I resisted it?
What old habits, beliefs, or assumptions quietly fell away?

Snake years often bring behind-the-scenes growth. The growth that doesn’t always look impressive in the moment but ends up being incredibly useful later. It’s the mindset shift, the boundary you finally set, the realization that something needed to change. That’s worth acknowledging before charging ahead.

Enter: The Year of the Horse

When the Horse arrives, the energy shifts from internal to external. The Horse represents movement, momentum, independence, and forward motion. 2026 is not a year for overthinking every step (sorry, Snake). It’s a year for doing with intention!

To connect with Horse energy:

Turn insight into action. Take one lesson from last year and keep applying it.
Aim for progress, not perfection. The Horse keeps moving!
Claim a little freedom. Ask where you want autonomy, flexibility, or ownership.
Move together. Horses are powerful on their own, but even stronger when moving as a group.

A Gentle Pause Before Full Speed Ahead

Reflection isn’t about slowing momentum; it’s about aiming it. When we take time to acknowledge what shaped us, we move forward with more confidence and a lot less second-guessing.

So, before we charge into 2026 with full Horse energy, give gratitude to the Snake year that helped us get here. Then take the reins, pick a direction that matters, and move forward with intention.

Because the best momentum doesn’t come from rushing… it comes from knowing why you’re moving in the first place.

Nov 24 2025

The Season of Gratitude: How Small Moments Become Something Bigger

Happy Thanksgiving week! Earlier this month, Meagan’s ezine explored the idea of appreciation in its simplest form. We talked about the tiny gestures that make people feel seen.

Gestures like:

saying thank you, even when it seems obvious
using someone’s name when you speak to them
calling attention to effort, not just results
noticing someone’s presence, not just productivity

These are small actions, but they impact us deeply! And in many ways, they lay the foundation for something much bigger: gratitude.

Appreciation and Gratitude: Similar but Not the Same

While they are similar, they aren’t the same. Appreciation is specific. Like a moment when you acknowledge a gesture, a kindness, or an effort. It happens in real time and points to something concrete: “Thank you for helping me when I was overwhelmed.” Gratitude is expansive! It’s the feeling that grows from many of those small moments woven together. It’s the larger sense of warmth, contentment, and perspective that builds over time: “I’m grateful to have people in my life who show up for me.”

But both overlap and have a domino effect! When someone feels appreciated, they often become more grateful. When someone feels grateful, they tend to express more appreciation. They reinforce each other in a positive loop 🤗

Gratitude as a Larger Lens

As the holiday season begins, gratitude becomes a wider way of seeing. It invites us to look beyond individual moments and into patterns, relationships, and meaning.

It might sound like:

recognizing the people who helped you through a challenging season
feeling thankful for routines that bring comfort and stability
noticing how much joy comes from small rituals
appreciating the growth, strength, or healing that the year quietly held

And sometimes, it looks like grace. Grace for yourself. Grace for others. Grace for the year you’ve lived.

Carrying Gratitude Ahead

While Thanksgiving gives gratitude a spotlight, the real impact comes from carrying it forward in everyday ways. That might mean slowing down enough to recognize a kind gesture, acknowledging someone’s effort before moving on, or pausing at the end of the day to name one good thing, however small. Invite gratitude to be more than a holiday idea!

Nov 11 2025

Appreciation in Daily Life: Small Moments that Make a Big Difference

This week offers a meaningful moment to reflect on service, commitment, and the power of appreciation in our communities.

On November 10^th, we recognized the 250^th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps – honoring a legacy of honor, courage, and commitment that spans generations. Today, on November 11^th, we observe Veterans Day, a time to acknowledge and honor all who have served.

While these observances carry historical and ceremonial weight, they also remind us of something deeply human: the power of appreciation. And with Thanksgiving coming up soon, let us consider all the ways we can welcome appreciation!

Why Appreciation Matters

Appreciation is more than a holiday gesture… It’s a daily practice and choice. A way of seeing one another. It’s how we remind the people around us that who they are and what they contribute matter.

Human beings are wired to feel connected! When we feel acknowledged, we feel motivated, supported, valued, and less alone. A simple expression of appreciation has the power to shift someone’s entire day – sometimes their entire sense of self! And it doesn’t have to be formal or profound. Most of the time, the smallest acknowledgment is the one with the deepest impact.

How to Practice Appreciation in Simple Ways

Saying thank you even when it seems obvious.
Using someone’s name when you speak to them.
Calling attention to effort, not just results.
Pausing before responding, to really listen.
Acknowledging someone’s presence, not just their productivity.

How It Connects Us Across Generations

No matter our age or background, we all carry stories, challenges, hopes, and unspoken efforts. It is how we honor that.

The most powerful expressions of appreciation are rarely grand. They are sincere, present, and intentional. Say what you mean… write the note… pause long enough to mean it.

Appreciation is not just something we offer on special occasions. It is something we practice to make everyday life more human, connected, and kind.