Generational Diversity: Insights From AmCham’s HR Dream Day

The event at the Öbölház drew a broad spectrum of professionals, from HR experts to business leaders, all keen to delve into the complexities and opportunities this generational mosaic presents. With a program rich in insightful discussions and keynote speeches, the attendees explored strategies to harness the potential of every age group, fostering a culture of inclusion and innovation.

Ákos Janza, first vice president of AmCham and global head of offices and HR AI transformation lead for MSCI Inc., set the tone with an opening speech emphasizing the importance of inclusion.

“Our aim is to create a work environment where everyone feels valued and respected and to make sure that diversity is not just for ‘check-up,’ but it’s in your company’s DNA,” he said. It was a theme on which Andrea Juhos, leading AmCham Hungary’s Diversity Working Group, elaborated. “Inclusion is not a matter of political correctness; it is the key to growth,” she said, quoting Jesse Jackson.

“Embracing generational diversity is not just about being socially responsible; it’s a strategic move towards a more dynamic and competitive business landscape,” Juhos shared through a personal story which happened to her. “Everyone and everything has a story,” she added, underlining the importance of individual narratives in the fabric of corporate diversity.

One of the event’s highlights was the keynote by Christian Jerusalem, co-founder and CEO of Wiseforce Advisors, who joined online to discuss “Competitiveness Through Workforce Diversity.” Jerusalem presented compelling arguments for the value of an aging workforce, pointing out that “an aging workforce is not a burden. It’s typically a huge opportunity.” Jerusalem’s speech focused predominantly on the cohort of workers aged over 50.

Overcoming Problems

“We have to keep the aging workforce included, and in many countries, that may cause a problem, especially in the U.S., where there’s ‘diversity fatigue,’ but companies also need to keep up the productivity,” he told his audience.

“If you want to focus on inclusivity, focus on the individual, as part of an organization. We have to provide an opportunity for that age group to reconnect to the purpose of work,” Jerusalem said, highlighting the critical need to integrate older employees into the heart of organizational strategy and culture.

The roundtable discussions offered practical insights into navigating the challenges and leveraging the strengths of a multigenerational workforce. Gabriella Fodor (general manager at Lexmark), Zénó Kuluncsics (country medical director at Bristol Myers Squibb), and Dorka Nagy-Józsa (Y2Y Hungary), moderator of the discussion, shared their experiences and strategies for fostering understanding and collaboration among different age groups.

Feeling Valued

“Creating an environment where every generation feels valued and understood is key to unlocking our collective potential,” Fodor remarked.

A standout session was Andrea Princz’s keynote on “5 Generations, 1 Workforce,” where she explored the dynamics and synergies of having everyone from Traditionalists to Generation Z working side by side. The Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Gen. Z bring different mindsets and expectations to the office.

Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, positions on social issues, and workplace flexibility are essential factors in recruiting and retaining talent. Princz, partner and CEO at SteiGen Consultancy, emphasized the importance of mutual respect and learning.

“Each generation brings its unique strengths and perspectives. By learning from each other, we create a richer, more adaptable work environment,” she said, illustrating the multifaceted benefits of a generationally diverse workplace, from enhanced creativity to improved problem-solving.

Following her presentation she was joined for a roundtable discusson by Andrea Juhos (LHH), András Kohl (Tesco Business Solutions Hungary), Gergely Libertiny (Yettel), and Péter Hajdu (Speak Well) who shared insight into innovative initiatives multigenerational workplaces can implement such as employee resource groups and reverse mentoring.

The event concluded with Róbert Dobay, chair of AmCham’s HR Committee’s closing remarks: “Rice, Spice, and Everything Nice: Stirring Diversity into the HR Pot,” reinforcing the message that diversity and inclusion are essential ingredients for a thriving workplace, like the spices added to a recipe to improve a dish’s flavor.

“The focus is on the benefits and the challenges of generational diversity at workplaces, spiced up with research data and experiences,” Dobay said, invoking a culinary metaphor to describe the enriching blend of diverse perspectives and experiences that enhance organizational cultures and outcomes.

As the sixth HR Dream Day wrapped up, participants left with renewed enthusiasm and actionable insights for cultivating a workplace that not only embraces generational diversity but thrives because of it. The event underscored AmCham’s commitment to building bridges and breaking barriers, setting a benchmark for future initiatives aimed at elevating Hungary’s competitiveness on the global stage.

In a world where diversity is often seen through the narrow lens of challenges, the 6th HR Dream Day offered a refreshing perspective: generational diversity can be a wellspring of strength and innovation. By sharing experiences and strategies, AmCham Hungary and its members continue to pave the way for a more inclusive, dynamic, and prosperous future.

This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of April 19, 2024.