The EDGE Certification process regularly shows that multiple generations are present within the workforce simultaneously, with as many as five distinct age groups working side by side. This brings complexities and as organizations strive to meet these challenges, it becomes crucial to measure and understand where different generations align and where they diverge in their values, goals, and expectations.
To better understand the complexities, we collaborated with EDGE Strategy, EY, and EqualVoice on a comprehensive survey, focused on intergenerational collaboration in workplaces in Switzerland. The aim was to uncover how organizations can more effectively facilitate intergenerational collaboration and create environments where all generations can contribute to their fullest potential. Understanding these generational differences is key not only for collaboration but also for building inclusive workplaces where everyone, regardless of age or other dimensions of diversity, can thrive.
The 2024 EDGE-EY-EqualVoice Survey captures insights from over 400 business professionals across diverse sectors and organizational levels in Switzerland. This comprehensive individual-level analysis sheds light on two critical challenges in workplace dynamics: “The Collaboration Conundrum” and “The Middle-Child Effect.”
The Collaboration Conundrum
The survey posed the question: “How would you rate the current level of intergenerational collaboration in your workplace?”
Results reveal generational differences. Baby Boomers (60–66 years) report the highest satisfaction with intergenerational collaboration at 76%, while Gen Z (<28 years) expresses significant concerns about intergenerational collaboration.
What this means: Organizations should address this by defining the strengths each generation brings to specific business goals, deliberately designing project teams to leverage those strengths, and creating inclusive leadership frameworks that amplify generational advantages.
The Middle-Child Effect
Another critical finding comes from the question: “In my current job, I am given the training opportunities I need to improve my skills.”
Responses reveal that Gen Z and Baby Boomers are most satisfied with their access to training opportunities. In contrast, Millennials (29–43 years) and Gen X (44–59)—the “middle children” of the workforce—express greater concerns about professional development.
What this means: This challenge requires a coordinated response from leadership across functions. Organizations should review their training programs to ensure they effectively meet the needs of mid-career professionals. Organizations should prioritize succession planning and leadership pipeline development to ensure mid-career professionals remain engaged and prepared for future roles.
Why This Matters
Access the full white paper for a deeper dive into the research findings, including actionable tools to address these two intergenerational collaboration challenges. These insights enable executive decision-makers in Switzerland and beyond to develop strategies that leverage age diversity as a competitive advantage.
“Age diversity not only enriches collaboration but strengthens the entire working atmosphere. Companies that specifically focus on multigenerational teams promote openness and enthusiasm for innovation in everyday work.” – Dr Annabella Bassler CFO Ringier AG & Initiator EqualVoice
The Role of EDGE Certification in Supporting Intergenerational Collaboration
Intergenerational collaboration is a crucial factor in fostering equitable and sustainable career flows. EDGEplus Certification, an add on to EDGE (gender-binary) Certification, enables organizations to go beyond gender and assess the intersectionality of gender with other dimensions of diversity, including age. By pursuing EDGEplus Certification, organizations receive valuable guidance, for example, in implementing inclusive policies and practices that ensure equal opportunities for employees across all generational age ranges. This comprehensive approach helps organizations create a more collaborative, diverse, and inclusive workplace for employees of all ages.
