Generational Gaps or Strategic Gains? Turning Tension Into Results
From Honest HR by SHRM
April 7, 2026 · 31 min · Season 3 · Episode 36
About this episode
The episode discusses how HR teams can leverage generational diversity as a strategic advantage in the workplace.
Today’s workforce is more generationally diverse than ever, with Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z working side by side. But with diversity comes challenges — from communication breakdowns to tensions over AI adoption and return-to-office policies. Dr. Unnatti Jain, generational diversity researcher and CEO of Bridging Generations, joins Monique Akanbi, SHRM-CP, to address how HR teams can turn generational differences into a strategic advantage. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r
People in this episode
Host: Monique Akanbi
Guest: Dr. Unnatti Jain
Topics covered
- generational diversity
- HR strategies
- communication challenges
- AI adoption
- workplace tensions
Keywords
- generational gaps
- HR teams
- strategic advantage
- communication breakdowns
- AI adoption
- return-to-office policies
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Bridging Generations, SHRM
More episodes of Honest HR
- Selecting the Best Talent for the Modern Workplace · May 26, 2026 · 33 min
- The Hidden Lawsuits in Your Hiring Process: Background Screening Compliance Explained · May 14, 2026 · 40 min
- Hook, Line, and Skillfishing — When Candidates Look Better on Paper · April 21, 2026 · 45 min
- The Talent Optimizer: Using Leadership and Analytics for an HR Advantage · April 14, 2026 · 30 min
- Demotivation by Design: How Organizational Systems Can Hurt Performance · March 31, 2026 · 35 min
- Struggling to Hire? Rethink Skills and Unlock Talent · March 24, 2026 · 32 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Honest HR podcast page.