How to Spark Resilience Across a 5-Generation Workforce
Five generations. One workplace. A thousand different views on mental health. What sparks resilience for one might sound foreign to another.
So with this emotional tug-of-war companies are facing, what can we do to build wellness strategies that truly reach everyone?
This week on Prevention Pioneers, Laura sits down with Joe Coughlin, the CEO and founder of Corporate Risk Solutions.
Joe has over 30 years of experience in the consulting, advisory, underwriting, and brokerage segments of the insurance industry. Over that time, he has originated thousands of engagements and provided services for many of the largest and most intricate transactions within the private equity and distressed debt markets.
But today, we’re talking about something even more critical—resilience.
From navigating the hardest insurance market in 40 years to watching the pendulum swing in workplace wellness, he opens up about mental health in leadership, intergenerational tensions, and the power of proactive support.
We also explore the tools that can prevent burnout and build resilience long before a crisis hits. Joe and I dig into how simple, educational tools can drastically shift workplace dynamics.
Tune in to hear stories that span decades, industries, and major cultural shifts—and get inspired to build your own resilience before burnout ever knocks.
Resilience is a Universal Connector
No matter your age or background, everyone experiences stress, uncertainty, and change.
That’s why resilience—defined not as toughness but as the ability to adapt and recover—is such a powerful tool across every generation.
As Joe points out, older employees often equate resilience with grit and endurance, while younger workers see it as emotional regulation, self-awareness, and healthy boundaries. Both perspectives are valid—and both are also essential.
When we reframe resilience as a shared human experience, it removes judgment and builds empathy. It creates a foundation of empathy, helping teams communicate with more clarity, patience, and mutual respect.
Outdated Mental Health Support Doesn’t Work Anymore
For too long, resilience was often mistaken for endurance. Power through. Pushing harder. Keep going.
But as Joe and Laura discuss, this old-school notion is not only outdated—it’s potentially harmful.
Real resilience, they argue, is the ability to adapt without breaking. It’s about bouncing back, yes—but also bouncing forward, stronger, and more capable.
This is where traditional approaches to workplace mental health have fallen short. For decades, companies have relied on reactive systems—like the Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)—that only engage employees once stress, burnout, or breakdown has already taken hold.
That’s why platforms like Spirence are gaining traction. Instead of waiting for employees to reach a breaking point, Spirence equips them with everyday strategies for managing stress, staying focused, and building emotional strength.
It’s not reactive care, it’s preventative power.
Strong Leadership Sets the Tone
As Joe shares from his own leadership journey, the role of a leader has changed. It’s no longer just about driving results—it’s about creating safety, modeling emotional intelligence, and simply being…human.
This shift matters even more when leading a multigenerational team.
When leaders open up about stress, set boundaries, or encourage mental wellness, it signals safety. It gives everyone else permission to prioritize their well-being, too.
And when those values are supported by the right tools, it transforms a good intention into lasting impact.
Final Thoughts
In a workplace shaped by five generations, resilience is the quiet strength we all share.
It helps seasoned professionals to adapt with grace. It empowers new hires to face uncertainties with confidence. It builds common ground, even when our experiences differ.
By embedding proactive mental wellness platforms and other educational tools into your organization, you’re not just preventing burnout—you’re cultivating a resilient, high-performing culture built to last.
Because when your people thrive, your business does too.
Prevention Pioneers is a podcast for leaders who are committed to using cutting-edge preventative wellness strategies to shift the narrative of mental health, maximize engagement, and minimize absenteeism
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