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Mixed-age teams provide strong workplace benefits
As Americans live and work longer, the workforce now spans up to five generations, creating dynamic opportunities for collaboration and learning. Most workplaces are naturally at least somewhat multigenerational. Enjoyment of working across generations is high, with 90% expressing positive attitudes toward age-diverse teams. Supervisors tend to be older, but nearly one-third of employees report having a younger boss, reflecting the fluidity of workplace roles.
Generations learn critical business and culture skills from each other
Workers of all ages report that collaborating across generations brings creativity, fresh perspectives and a sense of energy to the workplace. Working with younger colleagues gives employees the chance to share their experience and knowledge (87%), gain new perspectives (85%), better understand different communication styles (83%) and boost creativity in the workplace (78%).
On the other hand, collaborating with older colleagues offers a fresh perspective (87%), opportunities to learn new skills (85%), insights into different communication styles (82%) and contributes to a more productive work environment (78%).
With the rapid growth of technology and artificial intelligence, 73% of workers say younger colleagues help them stay current with tech trends and 55% report learning more about AI from them. Still, 40% and 30% of workers, respectively, say they gain similar benefits from older colleagues.
The power of mentorship in today’s workplace
Mentorship stands out as a vital force in cross-generational collaboration, with more than half of workers reporting they have been mentored and nearly as many reporting they have mentored others. For those who have participated, the impact is clear — 86% say mentorship was important to their professional growth, highlighting its central role in career development.
Mentorship is not limited by age or formal programs — it is a common, flexible workplace dynamic. While most mentorships follow the traditional older-to-younger pattern, one-third of workers have mentored someone older than themselves and peer-to-peer mentorship is also prevalent. Practical training and advice on job skills are valued most highly in the mentorship relationship, with 91% of respondents citing this as a key benefit, followed closely by guidance on handling difficult conversations (88%) and career development advice (88%).
Mentorship and mixed age workforces are not simple HR metrics; they are strategic advantages. Mixed-age teams foster creativity, engagement, and success, transforming workplaces into vibrant communities where everyone can learn and grow.
Methodology
Interviews were conducted from August 1-August 18, 2025 among 1,259 adults age 18-plus who are working or looking for work. It was fielded in NORC's AmeriSpeak panel. Interviews were conducted online and via phone.
For more information, please contact Rebecca Perron at rperron@aarp.org. For media inquiries, contact External Relations at media@aarp.org.
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