ADP APAC executive advised employers to design work where generations can learn from each other
Organisations need to foster "intentional opportunities" where employees of different ages can learn from one another, according to an ADP executive, as Singapore grapples with the challenge of managing a multigenerational workforce.
Jessica Zhang, senior vice president at ADP APAC, said a multigenerational workforce brings a broad range of opportunities for employers to harness diverse strengths.
"To achieve this, organisations need to design work environments where employees across generations can learn from and support each other," Zhang said.
"This means creating intentional opportunities for knowledge exchange, from experience and institutional insight to emerging digital capabilities, while ensuring learning and development opportunities remain accessible at every stage of an employee's career."
Zhang's advice comes as Singapore faces the challenge of handling five generations in the workplace, including the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials and Generation Z, according to ADP Research's People at Work 2026 Report.
"In Singapore, younger employees report greater confidence in their skills, while more experienced workers contribute deep expertise and report lower levels of frequent negative stress," Zhang said.
"The key is helping these strengths complement one another to drive stronger individual and business outcomes."
Challenges of an age-diverse workplace
But the rise of various generations in the workplace can also lead to challenges, particularly due to a variety of expectations from all ages, according to ADP.
In Singapore, only 10% of workers aged 27 to 39 feel good about their financial health, while just 23% of workers between 18 and 26 years old believe they have the skills needed to advance their careers.
For older workers, only four per cent of Singaporeans aged between 55 and 64 years old agree that their employer is investing in the skills needed to advance their careers.
"As AI reshapes work at the task level, organisations need people-centric, yet data-driven human capital management strategies to address the diverse career needs of a multigenerational workforce," said Nela Richardson, chief economist at ADP, in a statement.
"By paying employees accurately and on time, using payroll analytics to advance fairer compensation, and investing in tailored upskilling initiatives, employers can build greater trust and support for employees at every stage of their careers."
