Traditionalist, Boomer, Gen X, Millennial or Gen Z? Can’t We All Just Get Along?

The Graduate School at Nichols College will host the Intergenerational Workforce Summit, bringing together regional business leaders, HR professionals and early-career employees for a unique, action-oriented event focused on the future of work across generations. The event addresses one of today’s most pressing business challenges: managing and motivating a multigenerational workforce. The summit will take place from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6 on the Nichols College campus in Dudley. 

With five generations now active in the workforce - Traditionalists, Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z - many employers are facing increased friction, communication gaps and challenges in employee engagement and retention. This summit transcends awareness and stereotypes to foster shared understanding, inclusive leadership and collaborative action.

“At Nichols, we are committed to helping both organizations and individuals thrive. This summit is not about telling young professionals how to behave or asking leaders to lower expectations - it’s about creating space for mutual listening and collaboration,” said Robin Frkal, dean of the Graduate School at Nichols. “Our goal is to equip participants with real tools and ideas they can take back to their workplaces to build stronger, more inclusive teams.”

The summit is part of Nichols’ executive education series and will feature:

• An intergenerational panel discussion

• Facilitated breakout sessions focused on practical solutions and inclusive leadership practices

• Networking to strengthen community and employer connections

• A Nichols-branded digital badge recognizing participation in this groundbreaking summit

The event is co-hosted by Visions Internships, which is led by intergenerational workforce expert and CEO & Founder Amy Mosher Berry, who will moderate the panel and facilitate breakout sessions alongside Kim Krumsiek, associate professor of human resource management.

“Today’s young professionals are particularly purpose-driven. Most people crave meaningful (as opposed to menial) work and want to know that their efforts are making the world a better place,” said Berry. “I can’t wait to help unpack some of the common intergenerational challenges and offer insights and tools to empower professionals of all ages at this unique event.”