Workforces rarely move in neat generational lines. Most organizations today include boomers approaching retirement, Gen X leaders balancing stability and innovation, millennials shaping culture and Gen Z bringing new expectations about flexibility, purpose and technology. Understanding how those perspectives intersect is becoming increasingly important for senior living organizations trying to recruit, retain and lead multigenerational teams.

That was the focus of a recent conversation on Varsity’s weekly Roundtable, where Jennifer Smith, Ph.D., of the Mather Institute shared insights from Year 3 of the Gen Xperience Study, a five-year research series examining how Gen X compares with other generations in the workplace. Below are a few Fresh Perspectives from her discussion.

GEN X IS THE WORKPLACE BRIDGE GENERATION

Gen X often lands in the middle of generational trends. They value stability like boomers but are comfortable with technology like younger workers. That positioning makes them a natural bridge between residents who may be less comfortable with tech and younger colleagues who are quick to adopt tools like AI.

RETENTION ISN’T JUST ABOUT PAY ANYMORE

Compensation still matters most, but flexibility, autonomy and job security increasingly shape whether employees stay. Gen Z is especially focused on control over how they work, while Gen X prioritizes stability. Organizations that balance both will be better positioned to retain a multigenerational workforce.

LONELINESS IS A RETENTION ISSUE, NOT JUST A WELLNESS ISSUE

Employees who feel more isolated at work report lower job satisfaction and shorter plans to stay with their employer. Even though average loneliness levels were moderate, the connection between belonging and retention suggests that building workplace community isn’t optional, it’s a workforce strategy.

MISSION IS A RECRUITING ADVANTAGE

Younger generations increasingly want employers to make a positive social or environmental impact. For mission-driven senior living organizations, clearly communicating how the work improves lives can be a powerful differentiator when recruiting and retaining talent.

AI ADOPTION IS MOVING FAST, BUT TRUST IS LAGGING

Generative AI is already widely used in the workplace, especially among millennials. But Gen X and Gen Z show more caution, recognizing its benefits while still questioning the reliability of its outputs. Adoption may depend as much on building trust as on the technology itself.

WELLNESS EXPECTATIONS ARE EXPANDING

Younger workers increasingly expect employers to support not just physical health but emotional, social and mental well-being. At the same time, older generations are also broadening their definition of wellness. That shift signals that holistic wellness programs will only grow more important across the workforce.

Varsity’s Roundtable is a weekly virtual gathering of senior living marketers and leaders from across the nation. For updates about future weekly Roundtable gatherings, submit your name and email address here.