By Expert Panel, Forbes Councils Member, featuring JC Abusaid, CEO/President for Forbes Business Council
As older generations move out of the workforce and newer ones move in, the values and cultural dynamic of a business can easily shift. While change is beneficial at times, these shifts over time impact not only the relationships employees have with the business but also their relationships with one another.
Developing a culture that can evolve with the times while still maintaining its true essence is a proactive, strategic way to boost employee satisfaction and team cohesion. Below, 18 Forbes Business Council members offer ways leaders can ensure their company retains its culture and values as newer generations gain more of a presence in the workforce.
1. Build An Adaptable Culture
A culture built on a set of strong, deep-seated values takes years to nurture. Rather than remain stagnant, it should be built to evolve and transcend the different generations of your workforce. If your culture only appeals to specific generations, it is neither great nor sustainable. To stay relevant, be diligent in hiring talent that fits the culture and pushes leadership. – Jeff Maggs, Brunner
2. Document Your Culture
You must document it. Put pen to paper and make sure every employee knows what the firm stands for and why it does what it does. Senior and mid-level leaders must all be telling the same story. It’s also just as important to start a mentorship program. Having someone outside a manager who can have transparent conversations, convey information and transfer the culture is critical to retaining talent. – John Abusaid, Halbert Hargrove
3. Prioritize Maintenance Of Your Cultural Foundation
A company’s cultural DNA—its core values, principles and mission—must remain intact as workforce generations shift. While adaptation is natural, the foundation must stay strong. Hiring for cultural alignment, empowering employees as ambassadors and integrating values into daily decisions attract like-minded talent who sustain and champion the culture, ensuring long-term success. – Maks Dzherikhov, RNRS Solutions
4. Focus On Flexible Core Values
Focus on core values like safety and team support but allow flexibility in how they are upheld. Engage employees across generations to co-create culture, ensuring traditions evolve while staying true to the company’s mission. Foster open dialogue and adaptability to respect both legacy and innovation. This balance keeps culture strong while embracing new ways of working and collaborating. – Parna Sarkar-Basu, Brand and Buzz Consulting, LLC
5. Foster A Sense Of Belonging And Purpose
It starts in the recruitment phase, as hiring for diversity is only the beginning. True inclusion comes from the connections between people, whether it’s through shared values, interests or collaboration. Build bridges from day one by fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. The culture thrives when people feel truly connected to one another, bridging age and other gaps seamlessly. – Marco Gam, Conmedia ApS
6. Create Alignment Between Employee And Individual Goals
Making sure that employee goals and organizational goals are aligned is the key to future-proofing your company culture. As older talent leaves and newer talent takes their place, informing the reskilling and upskilling opportunities of the younger generation with organizational values will not only set up the younger generation for success but also preserve the culture you’ve worked so hard to establish. – Tim Brackney, Springline Advisory
