Generational tension at work has become a real business issue and not just a cultural one. In a recent Forbes column, Mark C. Perna highlights research showing that generational conflict costs U.S. employers about $56 billion each year in lost productivity, with sales teams feeling it the most. Much of this tension comes from how different generations approach technology, especially AI, where younger workers usually adopt tools quickly and older workers are more careful.

Data from Clari and Salesloft, mentioned in the article, shows just how wide the gap is. 60% of Boomers think Gen Z’s focus on AI hurts customer relationships, while 64% of Gen Z say Boomers’ resistance to AI is holding back innovation. The frustration is so strong that 39% of Gen Z salespeople would rather have an AI manager than a Boomer, and 25% of Boomers would rather work with AI than with Gen Z coworkers.

The conflict is not just about technology. It also shows up in how people communicate and what they expect from work-life balance. Perna points out that Boomers often see commitment as working long hours, while Gen Z cares more about efficiency and results. This divide is causing more people to think about leaving their jobs: 28% of Gen Z want a workplace without Boomers, and almost 20% of Boomers are thinking about retiring early.

Perna suggests that the solution is not to pick sides, but to show empathy and curiosity across generations. He writes that learning about the experiences that shape each group’s work style can help reduce conflict and improve productivity.