HR Forum: Recognizing Differences and Building Effective Team

As part of the second activity of this year’s HR Forum, human resources professionals participated in the workshop “Generational Rift feat. Intergenerational Riff.” The event provided an opportunity for an open discussion about intergenerational differences in the workplace, as well as how these differences can become an advantage if properly recognized.

Marina Matić, the workshop facilitator and co-owner of the company LOTSE, inspired participants to use the technique of mapping the needs of different generations through SAY, DO, THINK, FEEL (what they say, what they do, what they think, how they feel). This technique helps identify factors that drive or trigger behavior and decisions, prompt reactions, or lead to behavior changes, as well as to understand basic needs such as security, flexibility, belonging, and motivation. Marina emphasized the importance of overcoming prejudices and focusing attention on the opportunities that intergenerational collaboration brings. “Today, we can have people from five different generations in the workplace – from baby boomers to Generation Alpha. Each generation has its values and approaches, but the key to successful work is understanding these differences and directing energy toward common goals,” said Matić.

The workshop was also an opportunity for exchanging experiences and a call to create environments in workplaces where different generations can work synergistically, fostering innovation and harmony. The issue of the generational gap was discussed as both a challenge and an opportunity to build a team that functions like true intergenerational jazz – with freedom, rhythm, and dynamics that are shared by all participants.