Your Workplace is Multigenerational: How Regional Insights Reveal the Challenges and Opportunities of Working Across Generations

Today’s workforce spans five generations - from Gen Z to Baby Boomers - all navigating rapid changes in how, where, and why we work. But while age diversity is often discussed nationally, local factors like transport links, housing shortages, or regional history can dramatically shape generational experiences of work.

This event shares ground breaking insights from the ESRC-funded Changing Intergenerational Relationships Project, which explored these challenges in Stirling and Clackmannanshire. The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion that:

• Explores what work means to different generations, and how local factors can affect people’s engagement with work in different ways at different points of their life. 
• Brings together perspectives from policy, practice and lived experience to interpret the findings.
• Explores practical approaches to supporting multigenerational workforces in different regional contexts.

Event schedule

This 90-minute hybrid event (in-person at University of Stirling + online via Microsoft Teams) will combine:  

•  A 30-minute presentation on challenges and opportunities facing multigenerational workforces, and the importance taking a place-based approach when fostering a workplace where people of different generations work together.
• A 40-minute practitioner panel with Q&A (featuring employers, policymakers, and community voices).
• An interactive pre-event Padlet allowing audience members in person and online to capture insights and ask questions of the panel.
• Post-event resources including a recording of the session with additional BSL interpretation and evidence based resources developed by the Changing Intergenerational Relationships project.  

Who’s leading the sessions? 

The event will be run by the Changing Intergenerational Relationships team, lead by Professor Alison Bowes, Dr Heather Emond, and Dr Catherine Pemble at the University of Stirling.

Who should attend the event?

This event is open to all with an interest in workforce development and intergenerational dynamics.  The discussion will particularly benefit:

• Policymakers shaping regional employment strategies
• Practitioners in employment support, business development, or community services
• Employers building age-diverse teams
• Local organisations addressing workforce challenges
• Researchers and individuals interested in evolving work practices

The content will focus on translating research insights into practical approaches for creating inclusive, multigenerational workplaces.  

Do I need to book?

Yes, book your place now. Online attendees can book until 30 minutes before the event. In-person attendees can book until seven days before the event.

This event is part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2025.