AI in 2025: A Generational Dialogue

What happens when a few Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millennials gather round a virtual table for a lunchtime chat about how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shaping workplace culture? Passionate problem solving.

That’s because intergenerational teams thrive on sharing perspectives, teaching one another, and learning together. But before we dive into the highlights of this recent discussion, let’s address a crucial starting point: defining the topic.

When it comes to multigenerational conversations, it’s easy to assume everyone shares a common understanding of terms like AI. But does it mean the same thing to a 30-year-old as it does to a 60-year-old? Not always.

According to Google Cloud, AI is “a set of technologies that enable computers to perform a variety of advanced functions, including the ability to see, understand and translate spoken and written language, analyze data, make recommendations, and more.” That’s a solid definition—but the meaning of AI often takes on a deeper, more personal dimension depending on your experience.

Take Zenell, for example. She’s a state court administrator and Boomer who shared:

“I’ve been trained to do it this way—that’s how I see the universe. And it’s working fine. Now you’re disrupting it, making things obsolete. The undercurrent message is that I might become obsolete, too. It’s hard to grasp everything that’s coming.”

Contrast that with Jessica, a Millennial learning and development specialist:

“My background in L&D excites me about AI’s potential for on-demand learning, training, and development. Microlearning and in-the-moment learning are hard for small organizations to keep up with, but AI can fill those gaps. It empowers younger learners who prefer to learn independently.”

Two very different interpretations of AI. Both are valid. Both essential to understanding how to integrate AI into the workplace without creating an “us vs. them” mentality.

Bridging the AI Gap Across Generations

We decided we need to view the situation through the lens of other generations - learn about their perspectives on tech changes.

Step 1: Provide Context
Younger generations need to understand why older generations may be resistant to AI. Common concerns include:

  • Fear of obsolescence

  • Issues of factual validity and plagiarism (especially in education)

  • Insufficient time to learn new skills

  • Fear of Failure

At the same time, older generations need to hear what AI can do and how it solves problems better than current methods. One roundtable participant summed it up perfectly:

“IT upgrades cost a lot of money. I need to know this isn’t just change for change’s sake.”

Step 2: Communicate Clearly
Both sides benefit from jargon-free explanations and discussions. Why are old methods no longer effective? How will AI improve workflows for everyone?

Step 3: Foster Human Interaction
The most effective way to build understanding is through conversations—ideally face-to-face. There’s no substitute for real, human dialogue.

Actionable Steps for AI Integration

I asked Chat GPT to summarize our 60-conversation and give us some action steps here’s what my chat-buddy said:

Successfully integrating AI into a multigenerational workplace starts with fostering collaboration and leveraging the strengths of all age groups. Here’s how:

  1. Demonstrate Clear Benefits
    Communicate the tangible advantages of AI in solving problems better than current methods. Focus on how it improves workflows for everyone, not just a specific group.

  2. Provide Tailored Training
    Offer resources that meet employees where they are, such as step-by-step guides or glossaries. Tailored training ensures everyone feels equipped to embrace AI.

  3. Leverage Intergenerational Strengths

    • Younger employees can act as “digital natives,” guiding seasoned staff through new technologies.

    • Experienced employees bring critical thinking and context, ensuring AI initiatives align with organizational goals.

  4. Encourage Collaboration
    Form intergenerational task forces to tackle AI-related challenges. This builds innovative solutions and fosters inclusivity.

  5. Keep Conversations Alive
    Create spaces for ongoing dialogue about AI’s role in the workplace. Open communication is essential to building trust and understanding.

I love the part about leveraging intergenerational strengths - younger gens are needed to lead this AI expedition. Experienced employees are needed to ensure AI fits into the big picture. We all need courage and humility.

More soon,

Mary

Mary Cooney