Generations in the workplace
From Baby Boomers and Gen X to Millennials, Gen Z and Gen Alpha, there are now five generations in the workplace for the first time in history. Employees are looking for companies that can support their diverse career needs, while organizations are looking to attract and retain talent. At ABB, we believe that generational diversity is one of our strengths. Through a variety of initiatives, we’re fostering inclusion and supporting professional development.
Web Story
3min
2026-02-10
Navigating careers across generations
- For one of the first times in the modern workforce, five generations - Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha - are working side by side in rapidly evolving environments1. This overlap is shaped by longer lifespans, delayed retirement2, and younger generations entering the workforce earlier3.
- Understanding how each generation navigates its career is critical for organizations. The challenge is that each cohort wants something different for their professional development. A 20-year-old will want and need something different than a 40- or 60- year-old.4
- By attracting and supporting talent across all age groups, companies can meet the diverse needs and motivations of a multigenerational workforce. This approach drives innovation, enhances profitability4, and can help mitigate talent shortages1 while improving retention6.
At ABB, we see the opportunity to support the diverse needs of our multigenerational workforce and, in doing so, drive our business performance.
Gen Z to Baby Boomer: Do we want different careers?
From Baby Boomers and Gen X to Millenials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha, we asked our colleagues to share how different generations navigate their careers. Click "play" to learn more.
ABB'S INITIATIVES DRIVING INCLUSION ACROSS GENERATIONS
Global workshops and webinars
<p>Throughout the year, we run global workshops and webinars on diversity and inclusion. Through webinars on inclusive hiring, we explored today’s competitive talent market and how generational diversity can build more dynamic, innovative and resilient teams. We also partner with Mitt Liv<sup>7</sup> —an international organization supporting the creation of an inclusive society and labor market—and recently hosted a forum on aging populations, generations in the workplace, and shifting career paths.</p>ABB Interns Day
<p>ABB held its annual Interns Day on September 16, highlighting the importance of internships for young professionals and companies. Our interns gain professional experience and contribute their insights to create lasting impact, while companies can gain fresh ideas and build future talent pipelines. Learn more about how we are empowering interns and young professionals.<sup>8</sup></p>Celebrating our leaders and colleagues
<p>Through our communications channels, we continuously showcase leaders, colleagues and teams who demonstrate outstanding contributions to fostering inclusion. Recently, more than 70 colleagues from around the world were nominated as part of a challenge, highlighting colleagues who empower youth, drive cross-generational collaboration, and honor experience and years of service.</p>Connecting colleagues from all generations
<p>Our “Coffee Connect” initiative enables colleagues who opt-in to be randomly paired with another colleague to connect, explore inclusion topics and spark collaborations. Meetings can be in person or virtual, giving our people the chance to meet others they wouldn’t normally interact with.</p>Employee Resource Groups (ERG) and networks
<p>Our ERGs and networks for young and senior professionals support our diversity initiatives across generations and help foster an environment of inclusion and belonging. For young professionals, the mission is to build a network of early and mid-career talent that unites colleagues, builds capabilities, and accelerates career development. For senior professionals, the mission is to create and support a community of ABB senior professionals, developing an environment to inform, connect, and nurture senior employees.</p>Self-paced learning
<p>We offer a diverse range of online learning tools and resources covering generational diversity topics, so our colleagues can continuously adapt and enhance their skills at their own pace and from any location. They include online learning pathways, online courses, and resources from partners like Catalyst,<sup>9</sup> a global nonprofit that has been the recognized expert at the forefront of inclusion and women’s advancement.</p>How we support career development
We understand that professional development isn’t one-size-fits-all. We encourage all our employees to set their own growth and career plans.
Diversity and Inclusion at ABB
At ABB, we believe that generational diversity is one of our strengths. By tapping into the perspectives, skills, and experiences of every generation, we’re not just driving business performance and sparking innovation, we’re shaping a safe, fair and inclusive culture where everyone can come as they are.
Sofia Appelgren, Founder of Mitt Liv; Brandon Spencer, President, Motion business area; Carolina Granat, Chief Human Resources Officer; and Veronica Quach, Communications Specialist (left to right), discuss generational diversity and fostering inclusion during a live forum.
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Sources:
- Digital Etiquette: Mind the generational gap – The Adaptavist Group report 2024 (survey of 4,000 knowledge workers across the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and Germany)
- OECD Employment Outlook 2025: Navigating the golden years — Making the labour market work for older workers - Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
- Job market, economic trends for young adults by gender and education - Pew Research Center; Global employment trends for youth 2024, executive summary – International Labour Organization (ILO)
- Building a Multigenerational Workforce: What Job Seekers Want, 2025 - Korn Ferry
- A New Recruitment Strategy for a Multigenerational Workforce, 2025 – Korn Ferry
- The Benefits of Employee Engagement, 2013 - Gallup; Harnessing the Power Of a Multigenerational Workforce, 2023 – Natalie Gombalova, Foothold America
- Mitt Liv
- Empowering interns and young professionals
- Catalyst
ABB is a global company committed to upholding our core values and our Code of Conduct everywhere where we operate. We strive to foster an inclusive culture while adhering to all applicable laws. Any statements, goals, policies, or practices outlined in this ABB global website only apply where legally permitted and to the extent that it does not conflict with any applicable local laws. In the event of a conflict, the relevant ABB entity will prioritize compliance with local laws over the policy.