Are Boomers Working Too Long or Gen Z Expecting Promotions Too Fast?
- Older workers delaying retirement limits promotion opportunities for younger generations.
- Younger employees feel blocked from career growth, leading to high job turnover.
- Companies must balance experienced talent and younger ambition through flexible policies.
There’s a growing tension inside today’s workforce, and it has less to do with office politics and more to do with timing. Across the country, many younger employees say they feel stuck in their careers as older workers choose to stay on the job longer than expected.
Text “RICKEY” to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. (Terms and conditions).
For the first time in history, five generations are working at the same time, from Gen Z newcomers to baby boomers in their 60s and 70s. While that mix brings valuable experience and perspective, it’s also creating a bottleneck when it comes to promotions and leadership roles.
Many baby boomers are delaying retirement for practical reasons. Some want to continue earning income after the financial hits of past recessions, while others simply enjoy working and staying active. As a result, they are holding on to mid- and senior-level roles that would typically open up for younger employees.
Younger workers, particularly millennials and Gen X, say this has made it harder to climb the career ladder. Surveys show that a significant number feel blocked from advancement because those above them aren’t stepping aside anytime soon. That frustration has led many to change jobs in search of better titles, pay increases or new opportunities elsewhere.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE.
This constant movement is becoming a challenge for companies. When ambitious employees leave due to limited growth options, businesses lose talent and continuity. At the same time, organizations still rely heavily on experienced workers who bring decades of knowledge and leadership skills.
There’s also a difference in expectations between generations. Younger professionals often expect quicker promotions and career growth, while older workers tend to stay longer in their roles. This clash in timelines can create tension, even if both groups are simply trying to secure their futures.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP AND TAKE US WITH YOU ANYWHERE!
Despite the challenges, experts say a multigenerational workforce can be a major advantage when managed well. Some companies are creating mentorship programs where experienced employees pass down knowledge while younger workers share skills with technology and new tools. Others are rethinking traditional hierarchies by offering flexible career paths, job rotations and shared leadership roles.
Related Article: Black Unemployment Is Nearly Double The National Average
Related Article: Millennials are Living Paycheck to Paycheck
These strategies aim to keep younger employees engaged while honoring the contributions of long-time workers. When collaboration replaces competition between generations, both employees and businesses benefit.
At its core, the issue isn’t about one generation holding another back. It’s about adapting to a new reality where people are working longer, living longer and redefining what a career looks like. For companies and employees alike, finding balance between experience and opportunity may be the key to keeping the workforce moving forward.
HEAD BACK TO THE RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM HOMEPAGE
Are Boomers Working Too Long or Gen Z Expecting Promotions Too Fast? was originally published on rickeysmileymorningshow.com
