153 Closing the Generational Gap: What Manufacturing Leaders Must Get Right Now with Michelle McCullough

When your workplace includes baby boomers, Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z employees, it can seem impossible to keep everyone happy and fulfilled. In a multigenerational workplace, can you really create an environment where everyone feels supported, valued, and motivated?

It is possible—and in this episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing, guest Michelle McCullogh provides the insights and tools you need to drive engagement, trust, and emotional well-being across all generations. Michelle is a nationally recognized speaker, leadership expert, and workplace culture expert and has spent years researching how leaders can build more resilient, connected, and productive teams.

In this episode, Michelle shares key insights from her latest research, including how trust, support, and human connection can radically transform retention and performance on the shop floor. This episode will challenge you to think differently about what your team really needs.

2:50 – Emotional intelligence is especially important in a high-pressure industry like manufacturing
4:10 – Gen Z crave connection, purpose, and mental well-being in the workplace
6:30 – Older generations tend to prioritize stability, while younger generations want social connection
8:00 – When employees understand the impact of their work, they feel more connected and motivated
9:50 – Show an interest in your team member’s lives outside of work
11:00 – Understand that different generations have different motivations
21:00 – Team building exercises can improve cohesion and morale
23:10 – Happiness and resilience training can improve mental health and team connection
24:15 – You should also understanding gender gaps in the workplace
27:50 - When trust is broken, it can be rebuilt through intentional actions like growth, vulnerability, and transparent communication.
29:00 - Employees are more likely to stay and be engaged when they feel supported and understood by their leaders.

Connect with Michelle McCullough
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