When Apprentices Work Alongside Grandads

The generational conversation that sparked 500,000+ views.

Recently, one of our TikTok posts took off in a way we didn’t quite expect, reaching over 500,000 impressions and sparking hundreds of comments, shares, and saves.

The topic? Generational age gaps in the workplace.

At first glance, it might seem like a simple subject. Most workplaces today include people from different generations working side by side. But the response to our video revealed something bigger: people are actively trying to make sense of how work is changing, and age is often at the centre of that conversation.

When you think about it, it must be quite daunting for an 18-year-old to enter the industry and work with someone else’s mum or grandad and have a whole new “family” at work. These young people might not be used to being around older people outside their own family.

https://www.tiktok.com/@hawesconstructiongroup/video/7647173343774313751

The Modern Workplace Has Never Been More Multigenerational

For the first time in history, many organisations have four or even five generations working together.

A recent graduate may be collaborating with someone who has been in the construction industry for 30 or 40 or even 50 plus years. New hires bring different expectations around communication, flexibility, career progression, and technology. Meanwhile, experienced professionals bring institutional knowledge, leadership skills, and valuable perspective.

Why the Topic Resonated

Everyone Has a Story

It generated many discussions and stories here at Hawes Construction.

We’ve heard stories about younger employees introducing new ways of working. Our younger team discussed the value of mentorship from older colleagues. Many highlighted misunderstandings that arise when different generations interpret workplace behaviours differently.

The reality is that almost everyone has encountered a generational dynamic at work, making the topic instantly relatable.

It Reflects Wider Social Conversations

Beyond the office, generational discussions are everywhere.

Whether it’s attitudes toward remote working, career loyalty, technology, work-life balance, or communication styles, society is constantly debating how different generations view the world.

Our TikTok tapped into an existing conversation that people were already having across social media, news outlets, and everyday life.

People Are Curious, Not Just Critical

Why do some colleagues prefer phone calls while others default to messaging apps? Why do different generations have different expectations around feedback, progression, or workplace culture?

People are increasingly recognising that understanding these differences can lead to stronger collaboration rather than division.

The Risk of Stereotypes

Whenever generational topics gain attention, there’s a temptation to reduce people to labels.

But workplaces are rarely that simple.

Not every Gen Z employee thinks alike. Not every Millennial, Gen X professional, or Baby Boomer approaches work in the same way. Individual experiences, industries, cultures, and personalities often matter just as much as age.

The most successful organisations avoid generational stereotypes and instead focus on creating environments where different perspectives can coexist and contribute.

What Businesses Can Learn

Employees want workplaces where differences are acknowledged rather than ignored.

That means creating opportunities for knowledge sharing, encouraging open communication, and recognising that different working styles can be strengths rather than obstacles.

When organisations embrace diverse perspectives across age groups, they often unlock better collaboration, innovation, and decision-making.

Why We Think the Video Went Viral

Ultimately, we believe the video’s success came down to one simple reason: it reflected a reality that millions of people experience every day.

People saw themselves, their colleagues, their managers, and their experiences reflected in the conversation. And when content helps people feel understood—or helps them better understand others—it tends to travel.

The 500,000 plus impressions are exciting, but what’s even more valuable is the conversations that followed in those offices. The comments reminded us that while generations may approach work differently, most people are trying to achieve the same thing: meaningful work, strong relationships, and a workplace where they can thrive.

That’s a conversation worth having.