When interacting with older colleagues, I’m reminded that the boomer generation’s approach to work and life offers valuable lessons for today’s professionals. Known for their strong work ethic, resilience and no-nonsense attitude, boomers show us how to navigate the complex modern work environment. 

Here are the ways I believe these timeless principles can inspire us now:

Doing the job without praise

Personally speaking, boomers have an ability to do their jobs without seeming to need praise or affirmation. They get the job done because it’s their responsibility, not because they need a pat on the back.  

In comparison, younger employees seem to require more regular feedback and recognition compared to their older counterparts. Boomers teach us the value of intrinsic motivation and doing the work regardless of praise.

Weathering the storms

Historically, boomers have faced many challenges – war, economic depression, soaring interest rates, inflation and pandemics. Despite these challenges, they pushed through and got on with life. Instead of complaining, it appears that boomers tackled challenges and either improved their environment or sought new opportunities where they could make a difference.

A 2019 report from the Australian Psychological Society highlighted that resilience is linked to better stress management and is a key factor in workplace wellbeing and performance. Boomers remind us that facing adversity head-on can build character and lead to success.

Cutting through noise

In my experience, the boomer generation is known for their straightforward, no-bullshit approach to work and life. This kind of clarity and practicality can save time and boost productivity in today’s complex work environments. 

A 2021 study by McCrindle Research found clear and direct communication in the workplace significantly improves employee productivity and engagement. Boomers show us the importance of cutting through noise and staying focused on what matters most.

Learning from our elders

I’ve often found myself a little jealous of the baby boomer generation. They’re in retirement now, enjoying life, being grandparents, travelling the world and having fun. But as well as all of that, they’ve left behind a legacy of hard work and determination. While it might have been easier to buy a house in their day, it was incredibly tough to build a business, travel the world and stay connected without modern conveniences. I believe each generation should look to their elders and learn from what they did – both right and wrong. As a 35-year-old with a newborn, a mortgage, friendships to maintain and the desire to build a future, I find myself learning from everyone around me. Young and old equally offer important life lessons.

A two-way street

When it comes to tech-savviness in the workplace, Gen Z brings a fresh perspective and thrives in digital environments. Their adaptability can make them excellent problem-solvers in fast-paced settings and they often provide an innovative and creative approach.

Imagine pairing these traits with the boomer generation’s experience, resilience and no-nonsense attitude. While boomers can share their wisdom on resilience and intrinsic motivation, Gen Z can introduce digital tools and social media strategies. With strong leadership, this blend of traditional values and modern innovation can boost both productivity and workplace harmony.

For me, the boomer mentality isn’t about living in the past, it’s about taking the best lessons from those who came before us and applying them to our lives today. By embracing their commitment, resilience and no-nonsense attitude, we can navigate our careers more effectively and achieve lasting success.

Let’s appreciate the paths our elders have paved and build on their legacy with the tools and opportunities we have today. If we can’t see our strengths and weaknesses in others, it’s just the blind leading the blind. Let’s learn from the boomer generation, integrating their timeless values into modern work practices to foster resilience, drive and long-term growth.

Christoper Telley is the founder of HeyRCG, growth officer at SumaNurica and Brand Builder.

Photography attributed to Marten Bjork on Unsplash

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