Generational differences in turnover and AI adoption

AI is changing not only how work gets done, but also how employees view their future in the workplace. As organisations accelerate AI adoption, different generations are responding in different ways with important implications for retention, engagement, and workforce planning.

Drawing on data from 2,891 leaders and employees from a range of industries across Germany, France, and the UK,¹ our research examines how AI-related job insecurity, reskilling pressure, and workplace culture are shaping turnover risk across generations.²

Previous research suggests that generational differences in retention are shaped more by differences in workplace values³ than by generational stereotypes about age, motivation, or technical ability.⁴ Our findings build on that insight by showing how these dynamics are playing out during AI adoption.

If you’re a CHRO, HR leader, or Inclusion leader, this research offers practical insight and actions into:

• How turnover patterns differ across generations.
• What is driving the biggest differences between younger (Gen Z and Millennials) and older generations (Gen X and Baby Boomers).⁵
• How generational differences shape responses to AI adoption.
• What employers and decision makers can do to retain a generationally diverse workforce during AI disruption.