Gary, your 63-year-old colleague, arrives at work by 7:30 a.m. every morning and hasn’t missed a day due to illness all year. Meanwhile, your 25-year-old teammate has just filed his or her third “mental health day” request this month. Interestingly, a Pew Research Center survey found that older workers are more likely to be “very satisfied” with their jobs than younger workers.
The generation gap today goes beyond differences in technology or communication styles. It’s less about the rapid evolution of journalism and more about the shifting core attitudes toward work itself. The statistics paint a compelling picture of what we stand to lose as these seasoned professionals, with their wealth of experience, approach retirement.
They Really Turned Up Every Day
The traditional mindset treats work attendance as a sacred duty, with Baby Boomers exhibiting significantly lower rates of absenteeism compared to younger generations. For them, calling in sick is a measure of last resort, not an opportunity for a mental health day or an excuse to binge Netflix.
Meanwhile, younger workers, shaped by years of participation trophies for “perfect attendance,” often approach the concept of taking time off differently.
Company Loyalty Wasn’t Just a Word You Read on LinkedIn
The practice of job hopping may be fashionable today, but older workers forged careers by hanging out. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median tenure of workers aged 55-64 is 10.1 years, as opposed to 2.8 years for workers aged 25-34. They knew that ascending the corporate ladder took time, not just updating your résumé every six months.
A large number of Baby Boomers worked for just one company throughout their entire career, developing deep expertise and genuine respect in the eyes of colleagues. Their workplace became like a second family to them, not just a stepping stone on the way to something better.
Structure and Routine Were the Secret Weapon
The old school loves consistency and clarity. They come in at the same time, break for lunch at the same time, stop working at the same time, and work together in a way that elicits a more cohesive performance from everyone.
They don’t require lectures on “work-life balance” because they’re already committed to enduring habits. Their desks are organized, the files are labeled, and they even know where everything is without having to comb through ten apps.
Face-to-Face Conversations Were Their Superpower
Before Slack and Zoom became household names in the workplace, older workers learned the ancient art of in-person interaction. They walked to each other’s desks to convey information instead of sending an email, picked up the phone instead of texting, and settled disputes the old-fashioned way: through real conversation.
A study reported by Harvard Business Review reveals that face-to-face communication is 34 times more effective than email in terms of persuasion and problem-solving. Whereas the younger generation cowers behind screens, the older generation formed relationships with handshakes, eye contact, and real human contact.
Work Was Who They Were, Not Just What They Did
Work offers the older generation a sense of meaning and purpose beyond a paycheck. They value professional successes and view their career as a reflection of their character; they don’t care about “toxic work culture” or require coddling from management. Their self-worth is determined by the quality of their work, not by the number of likes their LinkedIn post receives.
Problem-Solving Without Google
When problems surface, older workers draw on decades of accrued knowledge rather than hastily looking up solutions on the internet. They’ve lived through economic crashes, company overhauls, and industry shifts with each crisis.
McKinsey research discovered that companies where decisions are typically made by the correct people, often more experienced workers, are 6.8 times as likely to be high-performing. They don’t need to crowdsource every decision or hold a meeting just to plan another meeting.
Pressure Made Them Stronger, Not Stressed
Previous generations were able to manage workplace stress without the aid of therapy dogs or meditation apps. They developed thick skin after too many demanding bosses, tight deadlines, and limited resources.
They know that there’s pressure that comes with being a professional. Even when the going gets tough, they roll up their sleeves and get things done, rather than updating their LinkedIn status to “open to work.”
Integrity Wasn’t Negotiable
The older generation adheres to a moral compass that many from the next generation may now view as outdated. They value integrity, honor their commitments, and take responsibility for their actions, refraining from excuses when they fall short.
A 2023 study by the Ethics and Compliance Initiative found that 78% of workers over 50 report unethical conduct when they observe it, compared with only 51% of those under 30. They don’t take shortcuts, inflate expense reports, or fake illness to attend concerts. And their reputations are worth more than a temporary convenience or a narrow self-interest.
Patience Was Their Competitive Advantage
Older workers’ career progress was slow and steady, a result that prioritized patience and loyalty over viral LinkedIn posts or 24/7 networking. Working in a role for 3-5 years often helps an employee develop stronger leadership skills than those who change jobs every couple of years.
They weren’t looking for a corner office in two years or demanding flexible hours in their first week. Instead, they know success is built through toil and tenacity, through showing up and proving oneself over time.
Job Security Trumped Job Satisfaction
While younger workers prioritize happiness and fulfillment, older workers seek stability and security. They’ll be content with less-than-perfect circumstances as long as the job comes with a steady paycheck and benefits.
The median retirement savings of workers aged 50 to 55 amounts to approximately $152,000, while that figure drops to $11,000 for workers younger than 35, according to Federal Reserve data, largely because older workers prioritize financial security over job quality.
Teamwork Meant Working Together
Collaboration among older workers means actual partnership, not simply being included in group chats. They understand that prioritizing the team requires individual sacrifices, and when the team falls short of its goals, the individuals must share the blame equally.
Mentorship Was a Natural Responsibility
Older hands will take under their wing younger associates and share knowledge with them, providing guidance with no expectation of anything in return. They understand that the overall health of their organization hinges on grooming the next wave of leaders.
A study by Vorecol suggests that workers with mentors are 23% more likely to remain with their current company for more than five years. They don’t hold on to information.
Change Required Careful Consideration
Older workers bring valuable skepticism to workplaces undergoing change, offering measured judgment over blind enthusiasm. With years of experience, city administrators have witnessed numerous management trends emerge and fade, providing them with the perspective to evaluate new initiatives based on tangible outcomes rather than fleeting buzzwords.
Companies with age-diverse leadership are more likely to implement successful company-wide changes. This is due to the wisdom that older workers contribute, ensuring that risk assessments are not overlooked.
Contentment Came From Achievement
Members of previous generations derive fulfillment from doing a good job rather than seeking accolades and initiatives such as work-life reconciliation. They judge each other on projects completed, issues solved, and professional growth, rather than an accommodating work schedule or a ping-pong table.
The Pew Research Center and the University of Pennsylvania report that 67% of people over the age of 65 say they are extremely or very satisfied with their jobs, compared with just 43% of people under 30, many of whom work longer hours and receive fewer benefits. They find purpose in participation, not ease.
Skills Were Developed by Not Cutting Corners
Before tutorials on YouTube and online courses, workers over a certain age mastered things through repetition and on-the-job experience. They studied their craft deeply, not just what to do, but why it works.
Those aged over 50 tend to make fewer mistakes at work than their younger peers, with those a few years more experienced finding success by being prepared to go the extra mile, rather than taking the easy way out.
KEY TAKEAWAY
The older generation’s work ethic was not just about how many hours you put in; it was about your seriousness, your integrity, your commitment to long-term thinking, and your willingness to stick to a worthy challenge. Their practices may be old-fashioned, but the results seem to speak for themselves.
Workplace flexibility and mental health awareness have brought huge benefits, but in the process, we’ve lost something increasingly rare and valuable.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
16 Grocery Staples to Stock Up On Before Prices Spike Again
16 Grocery Staples to Stock Up On Before Prices Spike Again
I was in the grocery store the other day, and it hit me—I’m buying the exact same things I always do, but my bill just keeps getting higher. Like, I swear I just blinked, and suddenly eggs are a luxury item. What’s going on?
Inflation, supply-chain delays, and erratic weather conditions have modestly (or, let’s face it, dramatically) pushed the prices of staples ever higher. The USDA reports that food prices climbed an additional 2.9% year over year in May 2025—and that’s after the inflation storm of 2022–2023.
So, if you’ve got room in a pantry, freezer, or even a couple of extra shelves, now might be a good moment to stock up on these staple groceries—before the prices rise later.
6 Gas Station Chains With Food So Good It’s Worth Driving Out Of Your Way For
6 Gas Station Chains With Food So Good It’s Worth Driving Out Of Your Way For
We scoured the Internet to see what people had to say about gas station food. If you think the only things available are wrinkled hot dogs of indeterminate age and day-glow slushies, we’ve got great, tasty news for you. Whether it ends up being part of a regular routine or your only resource on a long car trip, we have the food info you need.
Let’s look at 6 gas stations that folks can’t get enough of and see what they have for you to eat.
