Retail
Human ressources and workforce
Employer branding
Recruitment / Employee retention
28 April 2025

Turning Generational Diversity into a Business Asset – Not a Headache!

By

Bédard Human Resources

Bédard Human Resources

Bédard Human Resources an HR firm offering customized recruitment services and human resources consulting services to help organizations succeed. Flexible, agile and always available, Bédard HR answers your specific needs quickly and efficiently. Their expertise as a staffing and recruitment agency is a real asset for optimizing your operations and strengthening your team.

HR Day 2025 – Innovative Human Resources Strategies for Retail

A webinar not to be missed!

On May 15, Bédard Human Resources will host a webinar focusing on intergenerational harmonization to help you leverage the underestimated HR benefits of intergenerational diversity in your organization.

The online conference, organized as part of HR Day 2025, will explore the challenges, opportunities and levers associated with the cohabitation of several generations in a retail workplace.

Turning Generational Diversity into a Business Asset – Not a Headache!

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, local businesses are facing a wide range of major challenges: labor shortages, employee retention, technological transformation, economic uncertainty… More than ever, human resources play a central role in helping organizations adapt and perform. And yet, amid all this turbulence, one key human asset remains largely underutilized: intergenerational diversity within teams.

Understanding the Value of Generations

In many Quebec workplaces today, up to five generations work side by side. From Baby Boomers to Generations Z and Alpha, each group brings its own experiences, references, values, and view of the working world. These differences shouldn’t be seen as obstacles—far from it. They are a source of collective strength, as long as we know how to recognize and leverage them.

Research confirms it: companies that value age diversity and encourage intergenerational dialogue perform better over the long term.

The benefits are numerous :

  • Improved employee retention
  • Greater team engagement
  • Boost in innovation
  • Increased adaptability
  • Smoother knowledge transfer

Five Practical Strategies to Maximize the Strengths of All Generations

1. Implement Two-Way Mentorship

Mentorship shouldn’t only flow in one direction. Of course, experienced employees can help younger ones develop professionally. But younger employees also bring value—new technologies, digital agility, fresh market expectations. Reverse mentoring can become a powerful tool for mutual growth and knowledge transfer.

2. Encourage Intergenerational Teams

Rather than letting people naturally group with their own generation, managers can form mixed teams. Blending age groups on shared projects fosters cross-learning, creativity, and a deeper understanding of different perspectives.

3. Adopt an Agile Management Style

Today’s managers can’t rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. They must tailor their style to each employee’s expectations and needs. One person may crave autonomy, another regular coaching. The key is to listen and adapt accordingly.

4. Offer Flexibility and Variety

An employee nearing retirement may not have the same motivations as a recent university graduate. HR must offer modular paths: flexible hours, remote work options, tailored development programs, personalized recognition, and more.

5. Create a Culture of Recognition and Mutual Respect

Breaking stereotypes is essential. No, young people are not all “in a rush” or “disloyal.” No, older workers are not all “technophobic” or “rigid.” By valuing everyone’s contributions and establishing cross-generational recognition practices, companies can foster a healthy, inspiring work climate for all.

What Role Do HR Professionals Play?

HR professionals have a key role to play in implementing effective intergenerational strategies. This includes:

  • Raising awareness among managers about generational realities
  • Developing intergenerational training and leadership programs
  • Analyzing HR data to detect generational trends (turnover, satisfaction, engagement, etc.)
  • Creating open dialogue spaces where generations can connect, ask questions, and break down barriers

Betting on Generational Diversity Is Betting on the Future

In a fast-moving world where uncertainty is now part of daily life, companies that navigate intergenerational dynamics with intelligence come out ahead. By embracing the unique contributions of each individual and fostering an inclusive organizational culture, companies don’t just avoid conflict—they boost engagement, performance, and talent retention.

Instead of trying to “standardize” practices, why not turn intergenerational harmony into a strong cultural signature?

Because in the end, no matter our age, what truly matters is what we build together.

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Want to speak with an expert about how these strategies could impact your organization? At Bédard Human Resources, we’re here to help.

Contact Marjolaine Séguin to learn more about our HR consulting services : marjolaine@bedardressources.com

Events

Intergenerational harmonization: an underestimated HR lever

Ce webinaire explorera les impacts de l’IA, de l’automatisation et de la numérisation sur le monde du travail et des ressources humaines.