For the first time in history, five generations are working side by side. From Baby Boomers to Gen Z, today’s workforce spans a remarkable range of experience, expectations, and digital fluency. It’s one of the greatest strengths organizations have — and it's also one of their biggest challenges.

At CoreNet Global’s EMEA Summit in Amsterdam last month, one conversation stood out for its relevance across every industry: AI and the Multigenerational Workplace. The session explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping not just the way we work, but the way generations learn from and collaborate with one another.

The takeaway? While headlines often focus on what AI might replace, the real story is how it can connect. When used thoughtfully, AI can bridge generational gaps, enhance collaboration, and create workplaces where every generation brings its best.

Every Generation Has an Edge

 Each generation brings a unique set of strengths to the table.

●       Baby Boomers offer deep institutional knowledge and strategic foresight.

●       Gen X brings adaptability and experience navigating massive technological shifts.

●       Millennials are collaboration-driven and fluent in digital tools.

●       Gen Z enters the workforce with an intuitive understanding of AI and a willingness to experiment.

The opportunity lies not in erasing these differences, but in weaving them together. AI can help translate between generational strengths — empowering experienced leaders with new tools while giving younger employees platforms to share their digital expertise in meaningful ways.

AI as the Great Equalizer

When viewed through the right lens, AI becomes a common language across generations. It can simplify complex workflows, provide accessible training, and democratize access to institutional knowledge.

For instance, AI-driven insights can help senior leaders make faster, data-informed decisions, while also supporting early-career employees through coaching tools or content generation that levels the playing field. Many organizations are already pairing younger “digital natives” with senior mentors to co-train on new technologies. This fosters a two-way exchange of knowledge that benefits everyone.

As CoreNet Global members shared in Amsterdam, the future workplace isn’t about one generation leading the charge. It’s about shared fluency. Successful teams will combine the human judgment and experience of one group with the agility and technological confidence of another.

Redefining Digital Literacy

For years, digital literacy meant keeping up with new platforms and software. In the age of AI, it’s evolving into something broader and more human: understanding how to use technology ethically, collaboratively, and creatively.

Corporate real estate leaders are uniquely positioned to enable this shift. The physical workplace can play a powerful role in fostering AI adoption and cross-generational collaboration — like smart offices that personalize the environment, shared spaces designed for learning, and tech zones where experimentation is encouraged.

Creating environments that blend human connection with digital enablement ensures that AI enhances culture rather than replaces it.

What CRE Leaders Can Do Next

To make the most of this moment, corporate real estate professionals can take several practical steps:

Foster intergenerational mentorship around AI. Encourage younger employees to help train teams on emerging tools, while senior leaders provide strategic context and guidance.

Invest in technologies that democratize information. AI-powered knowledge bases and dashboards make insights accessible to everyone, regardless of title or tenure.

Design spaces that encourage experimentation. Flexible, tech-enabled zones can promote learning and reduce fear of change.

Keep the dialogue open. Transparency about AI’s role, potential biases, and evolving uses helps build trust across all age groups.

The Human Thread

No matter how advanced technology becomes, the future of work will always depend on people. AI isn’t replacing that; it’s enhancing it. By creating opportunities for collaboration across generations, organizations can build cultures that are both innovative and inclusive.

As CoreNet Global CEO Scott Wiley, CAE notes, “Our industry has always been about connecting people, purpose, and place. AI doesn’t change that. In fact, it gives us new tools to do it better.”

At CoreNet Global, we’re proud to help nearly 10,000 members around the world lead this evolution — bridging generations, shaping strategy, and designing the workplaces of tomorrow.