Upskilling the ageing employees: reverse mentoring as a strategy in the era of artificial intelligence

Purpose This study aims to assess the challenges that older employees encounter while trying to cope with dynamism in technology. The study also assesses the effectiveness of reverse mentoring to address the generational technology gap between younger and older employees. Design/methodology/approach Given the rapidly changing business landscape, the authors conducted an extensive literature review to understand the challenges that older employees encounter in the context of the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and explore the need for reverse mentoring. For more focused and pertinent research, an integrative secondary search was conducted using primary databases, including Scopus, Google Scholar, Emerald Insight and Web of Science. Findings Based on the identified articles in line with the inclusion–exclusion criteria and data coding and theme generation process, major emerging themes comprised factors affecting the advancement of AI in organisational settings, challenges encountered in dealing with AI for Baby Boomers and Gen X and reverse mentoring as a potential strategy for equipping Baby Boomers and Gen X in the age of AI. Originality/value The findings advance knowledge in generational theory by synthesising generational differences with regard to technological adoption, enhancing the knowledge of generational trends on organisational learning and adoption of technology. Managers must also check that their human resource management policies are accommodative for all generations to create a progressive, elaborate and diverse workforce.