Stopping ageism with cross-generational project pairing

Stopping ageism with cross-generational project pairing

Insight from Catalyst.

Picture this: five generations sharing the same break room, each bringing their quirks, ideals, and wildly different opinions on coffee temperature. 

It sounds like the setup for a sitcom, right? But nope, it’s the reality of today's workplace. And in 2025, offices are still going to be thriving with people from different generations Most are still Millenials, but you’ll still need to prepare for Gen Z’ers, X’ers, and Boomers.

Let's introduce our cast of characters:

• The Baby Boomers
  Born 1944–1960, Boomers are the original workaholics, fans of face-to-face chats, and masters of the 9-to-5 grind (avoiding TikTok confusion).

• Generation X (The Lost Generation)
  Born 1961–1980, these “latchkey kids” pioneered work-life balance, are fiercely independent, and clock out without guilt.

• Millennials
  Born 1981–2000, Millennials, the largest workforce group, are tech-driven and purpose-focused, sparking endless discussions on workplace culture.

• Generation Z
  Born 2001 onward, Gen Z is entering the workplace, primed to shake up norms even more than Millennials.

These not-so-minor differences lead to ageism that hampers team morale and growth potential. I’ve found that the best way to settle these differences is with cross-generational project pairing.

This goes beyond casual mentoring—it’s about working together, where knowledge from experience meets tech-savviness or fresh perspectives. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Select Projects with defined start and end dates. Choose a project that won’t drag on forever but still has enough complexity to foster real collaboration, like a quarterly report or a client presentation.

2. Assign cross-generational pairs. Create pairs that allow skills to complement each other, like pairing a seasoned team member who prefers old tried and tested ways with a tech-savvy younger employee who likes trying the latest AI tools..

3. Schedule midpoint check-ins: Plan one or two midpoint check-ins so you can gauge their progress and get feedback on what’s working (and what isn’t). Use this time to refine pairings if needed.

The two biggest problems for multi-generational workforces are communication barriers and trust. Cross-generational pairings are great for helping these different generations understand each other’s workflow.

No more grumbling about “kids these days” or “old-school habits.” Pairing up might lead to a few chuckles, but it’s a crash course in real-world skills sharing. Your team will be swapping wisdom and TikTok tips before you know it!"