The Value of Multi-Generational Teams and the Role of Older Workers: Evidence from an Online Experiment

Zeewan Lee , National University of Singapore, LKY School of Public Policy
Xinyi Chen, National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre

Stereotypes of declining productivity among older workers largely stem from studies measuring output at the individual level. Yet emerging evidence points to age-related advantages in wisdom, mentoring, and soft skills, suggesting that older workers’ contributions may be more accurately assessed in team-based contexts. This study examines whether older workers hold comparative advantages in collaborative work through relational strengths and intangible competencies. Guided by social capital theory, human capital theory, and the resource-based view of the firm, we conducted an RCT with 354 participants randomly assigned to multigenerational or unigenerational (younger-only or older-only) teams to complete simulated big-box retail store tasks. Results show that multigenerational teams perform at least as well as younger-only teams, with preliminary mediation analyses indicating that older workers’ soft skills are central to these outcomes. These findings challenge deficit views of aging and underscore older workers as underutilized resources, with implications for labor policy and organizational practice.

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 Presented in Session 109. Ageing and the Future of Productivity