Managing a Multi-Generational Workforce in the Horticulture Industry
August 23, 2025 
Two male florist cooperating while examining flowers in a plant nursery. | Drazen via Adobe Stock
I’m writing this only a couple of weeks removed from attending Cultivate’25, but one of the educational sessions that stands out was the very first one I experienced: a panel discussion on managing and motivating a multi-generational workforce.
I tend to seek out panels at conferences because they often result in a great exchange of ideas between people who might not otherwise get the chance to connect. This discussion was particularly relevant because now more than ever, we’re seeing several generations collide in the workforce, each with their own viewpoints on communication, company culture, mentorship, and technology adoption.
Here are just a few of the key insights I took away from the discussion:
Each Generation Tends to Have Different Styles of Communication with Customers and Within the Company
While it’s not universal, Baby Boomers and Gen X’ers often prefer face-to-face discussions and phone calls, while Millennials and members of Gen Z lean more into emails and texting. Internally, this can be an issue when passing along institutional knowledge from one generation to the next.
Leadership Style Was a Big Topic of Discussion
Most of the panel said their preferred style was based on collaboration, while giving your team the space to own what they’re doing and ask for help when necessary. “I’ve had to learn to reach out to people and coach them, when necessary,” said one panelist. “I don’t like to just tell people what to do.”
What Leadership Style Did the Panelists Best Respond To?
For the most part, they appreciate trust, positivity, and the freedom to be creative. And what doesn’t work for them? Feedback that only comes when something goes wrong.
The discussion on company culture was very interesting, with the most common themes being acceptance and trust in change, the need for collaborative work environments vs. silos.
The panel concluded with advice they would each offer to the generation immediately following them:
- For Baby Boomers to Generation X: You need to work hard, but you also need to keep a proper work-life balance.
- From Generation X to Millennials: Be patient, because this industry will always evolve to meet its talent. But also, be curious, because there is always a lot to learn.
- From Millennials to Generation Z: Respect the older generations and understand that it’s tough to be a manager. And know that not every idea you suggest will be implemented, but some will, so celebrate them.
I’ll close by asking you to consider the same questions the panel answered, and perhaps ask of your own team:
- What changes have you seen, or do you want to see, in the industry or within your own company?
- What are the challenges you’ve faced when working with other generations in your workplace?
- What is your leadership style?
- What leadership styles are you more likely, or less likely, to respond to?
- What do you seek out in company culture?
- What advice would you give to the next generation?
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