The workforce now consists of three generations of employees which is something previously unseen in the corporate world.
Older generations are impacted by increasing pension age, oftentimes delaying retirement, meanwhile the millennials continue to enter the workforce; in fact, they already make up a significant chunk of it. To make things more complex, COVID made its mark on values and expectations of different generations - not to mention the technology-centric environment that is here to stay.
Various studies have noted that leaders of different ages bring different skill sets and know-how to the table. Diversity helps to improve discussions, foster innovation and facilitate creative problem solving. And it's not just skills but also networks and viewpoints that are complementary. As a result, age diverse teams can better reflect the needs of larger consumer segments.
Perceived receptiveness towards innovation, high energy and eagerness to learn mean younger leaders often prevail over the perceived lower energy, often fixed attitudes and questionable technological literacy of their older counterparts.
It seems obvious that knowledge of experienced generations combined with a fresh take of younger ones produces better results. But how to get the mix right?
Different attitudes towards remote work, preferred styles of communication, respect of hierarchy (or absence of it) are the key pitfalls faced by the age diverse teams. It can lead to serious trust, collaboration and miscommunication issues which then result in lower productivity.
Every organization is unique, so are the markets in which the organizations operate. For example, Central and Eastern European companies usually have rather young management boards and need to attract older talent from the West.
The way forward may lie in embracing the culture which celebrates the strengths of different generations. The challenge is to find a formula that employs generational differences for the benefit of the organization. For example, adopting a decision making approach where the preference for very fast and reactive decisions is combined with well thought, double checked, experience based attitude. Also, embedding training and mentorship programs to ensure the knowledge transfer becomes a necessity.
In the ongoing pursuit of gender equality, inclusion stands as a cornerstone principle, essential for breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and creating environments where all women are valued and respected.
World-renowned feminist, journalist and activist, Gloria Steinem, reportedly once explained:
"The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights."
While progress has been made in advancing women's rights and opportunities, true gender equality remains elusive in many parts of the world. Inclusion is vital to drive meaningful change to a more equitable future.
Inclusion is not merely about representation; it's about creating spaces and systems where all women, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances, feel valued, heard, and empowered. This means recognizing and addressing the intersecting forms of discrimination and marginalization that women from diverse backgrounds face, whether based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Women encounter various obstacles on their path to equality, including structural barriers such as discriminatory laws and policies, limited access to education and healthcare, and unequal opportunities in the workforce. Inclusive action involves identifying and dismantling these barriers to ensure that all women have equal access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making processes.
Stereotypes based on gender, race, ethnicity, or other factors often limit women's potential and perpetuate harmful biases and discrimination. By challenging these stereotypes and promoting diverse representations of women in media, education, and leadership, we can create a more inclusive narrative that celebrates the richness and complexity of women's experiences and identities.
This entails fostering inclusive attitudes and behaviors at all levels of society, from families and communities to workplaces and policy-making institutions. It involves promoting ally ship among individuals and organizations, amplifying marginalized voices, and actively challenging discrimination and exclusion wherever it occurs.
Inclusion is not just a buzzword; it's a fundamental principle that underpins the pursuit of gender equality. By breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and creating inclusive environments where all women are valued and respected, we can build a more just and equitable society for everyone.
After years of interviewing executives, we have identified a series of intangible benefits that they value when considering a career change and a new project, which they believe will determine their success.
Apart from the specific challenges of the company, the role, and the executive's experience and skills, the following are some of the key elements they consider when making a decision:
These elements vary when it comes to a listed company, versus an unlisted company. In the case of a listed company, they also consider the following:
These are basically differences in terms of shareholder pressure, financial regulations, access to capital, and strategic focus, which influence their decision-making.
In addition, whether a business is mature or not also introduces new elements into the mix before making a decision, depending on the stage of business development and the specific needs associated with each. For example:
All of these are key elements to consider when defining an ideal executive profile for a position in a company and should be considered.
In today's digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) has undeniably revolutionized various industries. With advanced algorithms, machine learning, and natural language processing capabilities, AI-powered recruitment tools promise efficiency, speed, and accuracy in talent acquisition.
Despite the technological advancements, we know that the human element remains indispensable in the Executive Search process - here's why:
We know that the human touch remains irreplaceable to attracting and retaining top talent.
It is normal to quantify the right salary for a position, of any level, and especially for those that are classified as C-Level. Equally daily, during interviews with candidates, we recognise those soft skills that increasingly make the difference between one profile and another.
But have we ever considered what values can be of value to a candidate? Have we ever wondered what remuneration a candidate would be willing to revise for the right job?
In light of the ‘Conscious Quitting' phenomenon that characterised 2023, the HR world will have to reflect on this question and start taking into account the importance that a personal set of values can have for a candidate. In fact, some studies brought to the fore by major national and international media, show that with reference to ‘Conscious Quitting', the choice, the decision to leave or change jobs due to ethical conflicts, is growing significantly.
The analysis of the problem conducted by Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever, and by the EIB - European Investment Bank - highlights that in an historical moment characterised by wars and massive natural disasters that threaten our stability and our future, the Z Generation are very concerned about the world they will inherit and are willing to devote their time and talent to companies that are committed to providing them with a better future. Consequently, they are willing to quit when their companies let them down'. And it is not only young people who are fuelling this trend, but also Millennials and a minority of Enlightened Boomers.
The ideal candidate, in a future that is already here, will not only be the one who demonstrates that he or she has the expertise and soft-skills needed to fill a certain role or do a certain type of work, but it will become increasingly important to understand whether their values are shared by the ethos of the firm in which they will work and vice versa.
In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world leadership has taken on a new dimension. The challenges and opportunities facing organisations today require leaders to be adaptable, forward-thinking, and empathetic. As we delved into the dynamics of leadership in 2024, it became apparent that successful leaders are those who can navigate complexity, foster innovation, and build resilient and empowered teams.
One of the defining features of leadership in 2024 is the need for adaptability and agility. The business landscape is constantly changing, driven by technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, and societal transformations. Leaders must be adept at sensing and responding to these changes quickly. The ability to pivot strategies, embrace new technologies, and stay ahead of the curve is crucial for organisational success.
In 2024, technology plays an even more central role in business operations. Leaders need to not only understand emerging technologies but also integrate them seamlessly into their organisations. Artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics are no longer optional; they are essential tools for optimising processes, improving decision-making, and gaining a competitive edge. Successful leaders are those who can harness the power of technology while ensuring ethical considerations and human-centric approaches are prioritised.
The emerging new leadership style places a significant emphasis on empathy and inclusivity. As organizations become more diverse, leaders must be more attuned to the needs and perspectives of a wide range of individuals. Cultivating a culture of inclusivity fosters creativity and innovation, as diverse teams bring varied insights to problem-solving. Additionally, empathetic leaders build strong, cohesive teams, nurturing an environment where individuals feel valued and motivated.
The global shift towards remote and hybrid work models has reshaped the traditional understanding of workplace dynamics. Leaders in 2024 must excel in managing remote teams, ensuring effective communication, collaboration, and employee well-being. The ability to foster a sense of connection and purpose among dispersed teams is paramount for sustaining productivity and organisational cohesion.
Leadership in 2024 goes beyond profit margins and market share. Organizations are increasingly expected to operate with a commitment to sustainability and responsibility. Leaders need to champion corporate social responsibility initiatives, aligning their organizations with values that resonate with both employees and consumers. A commitment to sustainability not only enhances the organization's reputation but also contributes to long-term success in an increasingly ESG conscious marketplace.
Leaders must prioritise continuous learning and development for themselves and their teams. Staying abreast of industry trends, acquiring new skills, and fostering a culture of lifelong learning contribute to organisational agility and resilience. Leaders who encourage and invest in the growth of their teams create a dynamic environment that adapts to change and thrives on innovation.
Leadership in 2024 is a multifaceted challenge that demands a holistic approach. Successful leaders will be those who can navigate complexity, leverage technology, foster empathy and inclusivity, adapt to remote work environments, champion environmental and social responsibility, and prioritise continuous learning.
By embracing these aspects, leaders can steer their organisations through the dynamic landscape of 2024 and beyond, ensuring sustained success in an ever-evolving world.
As we bid farewell to the challenges and triumphs of 2023, it's time to set our sights on the horizon of possibilities that the new business year holds. The ever-evolving landscape of commerce promises innovation, growth, and resilience.
The rapid pace of technological advancement continues to redefine how businesses operate and in 2024 companies are expected to accelerate their digital transformation initiatives. From adopting artificial intelligence and machine learning to leveraging the power of data analytics, organizations will strive to enhance efficiency, improve customer experiences, and stay competitive in the digital age.
We know that sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it's a business imperative. As the world grapples with environmental challenges, businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of sustainable practices. In 2024, we can expect a surge in eco-friendly initiatives, responsible sourcing, and a commitment to reducing carbon footprints. Companies that align themselves with sustainable practices will not only contribute to a better world but also resonate with environmentally conscious consumers.
The pandemic has reshaped the way we work, and remote work is here to stay. 2024 will witness a continued evolution of remote work practices and companies will invest in technology to facilitate seamless collaboration, prioritize employee well-being, and redefine workplace culture to accommodate a hybrid model that combines remote and in-office work.
The shift towards online shopping has been accelerated by the pandemic, and the trend is expected to continue in the new year. Businesses will invest in enhancing their online presence, optimizing e-commerce platforms, and improving the overall digital customer experience. Adapting to the changing consumer behaviour will be crucial for retailers to thrive in the evolving business landscape.
Uncertainty has become a constant in the business world. Companies that exhibit resilience and adaptability are better positioned to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities. The new business year will demand agility, strategic foresight, and the ability to pivot when necessary. Embracing change as a constant will be a key factor in ensuring long-term success.
As we step into 2024, the road ahead is paved with exciting opportunities and challenges. Embracing digital transformation, prioritizing sustainability, adapting to the evolving work landscape, capitalizing on the e-commerce boom, and cultivating resilience will be essential for businesses aiming not just to survive but to thrive in the dynamic and competitive environment of the coming year. We know that by staying innovative, forward-thinking, and customer-centric, we can look forward to another year of growth, success, and positive impact.
As the year concludes, we extend our sincere appreciation to all our clients for your ongoing partnership and commitment. It has been a pleasure working with you, and we appreciate the opportunities to contribute to your success.
May the winter break offer a well-deserved respite, allowing you to recharge for the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead. We look forward to continuing our productive collaboration in the coming year.
This holiday season, we also reflect on the collaborative efforts of our global and local teams who have all contributed to the success of our firm. Their unwavering commitment to excellence is truly commendable and we all look forward to more shared accomplishments in 2024.
Everyone at Friisberg wishes you a joyful holiday season filled with relaxation and good company.
In June 2022, we resumed our work in Ukraine. We had to completely reformat the company's business processes as we used to deliver postal items by air to achieve the desired delivery speed and high quality. At the moment, we use road transportation in Ukraine, deliver to Poland, and there all our cargo is already included in the DHL network. This requires additional time and restructuring our processes within departments. We purchased additional trucks, our couriers received additional category driving certificates, but we understand that for many of our clients we remain the connecting force in Ukraine. Our clients are mainly business companies that need to run their businesses in order to survive this fundamental time for our country.
We pay taxes to support our country and provide paid work to all our employees. There were no staff reductions in the company and we added additional bonuses to employees to support them during this difficult period. We also consider it our duty to maintain the salaries of mobilized employees. - they are our protectors and heroes. We also help demobilized employees adapt to the workplace. They all have funding issues, and we're changing our processes so people can continue to work.
Currently our plan embodies simple golden values: understanding with the ability to listen and help. At the moment, it is very important to us that our people feel cared for and supported.
We continue to pay salaries, we even meet our obligations to raise salaries once a year. We provide all the social benefits, vacations, sick leave, continue to insure employees, etc. We allow those who can work from home to do so.
We care very much about people's safety. We turned our office into a real hub of stability: we purchased generators, beds, blankets, non-perishable food in case of blackouts. Employees can come to the office, warm up, wash things, take a shower and eat.
We practise constant communication with those who serve in the military. We constantly inform our employees about how the service is going, which of our mobilized defenders need help, visit them in the hospital, and proudly share information about who have been given awards - for example, two of our employees were awarded the Cross for Courage!
We also made reservations against the mobilization of 40% of men.
Employees support our company's attitude towards them, they value us and do everything possible to support the business during this difficult time.
Even though there is a war in our country, we continue to support our Ukrainian children. We believe that this is our strongest contribution to the future of our country. These are mainly children from large foster families and many of these families were relocated from the East part of Ukraine.
In October of this year, we signed an agreement with SOS Village and agreed on a number of useful and interesting activities for the next year.
For example, at the end of October, we invited children from large families to come to us for a career guidance excursion - 40 children accepted our invitation. We told the children about the history of our company, our business and corporate culture. The children visited key departments where managers told them about what the department does, showed how employees worked, and what knowledge and skills they need to have to get a job in our company. It was a very fruitful discussion because we received so many questions from the children. Then they visited our warehouse to see our processes, and see all our our vehicles.
DHL Central Europe region, which includes 14 countries, within the global Volunteer Day had an initiative to help get Ukrainian children to school. 14 countries in CEU region sent us stationery, school backpacks, other interesting school goods and at the end of the excursion we presented the children with big packs full of such presents.They were very happy!
We received great feedback from the children, so next year we plan to have more activities and master classes for children.
I think a more difficult question would be the other way around because for me it was quite simple. I still remember the first call I got to gauge my interest. I was in a good place with my career, so they said, I am happy for you, but this is the one you have been waiting for! They were right. The brand, the business model, the level of autonomy, the chance to drive success across the entire value chain - it was all too magnetic for me. And that was all before I met the people. The sheer excellence of HEINEKEN people is the company’s true competitive advantage, and I feel together we can really amplify the value we create in our entire ecosystem.
Let me start with the sense of joy. First and foremost, I get that from my team. The insights they teach me, the laughs we share, the passion and effort they put into our work; the sense of belonging in this team is simply amazing. I get my energy from having people around me and working with others towards ambitious goals. HEINEKEN provides ample opportunity for that. There is a level of transparency and authenticity that is quite unparalleled, and that creates the perfect environment for people to come together and really solve problems.
In terms of challenges, I would say most of the things that keep me up at night are also the things that give me energy in the morning. Biggest one would be maintaining the growth path HEINEKEN is on, even through an increasingly difficult business and labour context. Luckily, I found a solid organization, with motivated and engaged people, which is unquestionably due to the Management Team and my predecessor.
Ever since day one, I acknowledged that I had not met another organization where people use such terms as psychological safety, autonomy of decisions, or accountability so much, so naturally, and so freely. These are key cultural elements for delivering in such a fierce business environment, and at HEINEKEN, they can be summed up in one word: TOGETHER.
I also bow to the natural generosity of my colleagues. Starting with my team, who gave me all their time to help me integrate as quickly as possible, all the way to the managers, whose obvious interest is developing their teams. I am happy to see the premium brand we produce translates into the premium people we have. Or is it the other way around?
HR was a surprise. I often say I stumbled into HR, because in the beginning of my working life, I had no idea what it was. I had not studied it, and I had not really encountered an HR person in real life, so I was not even considering something I was unaware existed.
And then, about 13 years ago, I applied for a Sales role with an FMCG company. I went through all the interviews and the tests, and was actually offered the role. And just I was accepting it, the manager said , You know, we probably have something else you might be good at, but you’re probably not interested, because it’s in Poland. I basically said I will do it without even knowing what the job was (I assumed it had to do with Sales, but did not really ask). Mostly because at that point in my life I was really craving an international experience. Long story short, I started my HR career in Employee Service Delivery and Compensation & Benefits, which worked out great because they played into my analytical side. From there, I just kept finding new ways to develop myself, and the organization, through a function that has a lot of untapped value to give.
I think this is my fourth sector as an HR person, fifth overall. This day and age, I do not know any industry that is not challenging for HR. What I believe works “in our favour” is the speed and complexity of the market, consumer behaviour, legislation, and sustainability developments. They all challenge HR to really flex our creative muscle, and ensure we are building a winning organization. But then again, this is exactly what I signed up for.
Thank you! With all the professional milestones I’ve hit, my family is still my biggest accomplishment. I often share that as a kid I was changing my idea of a dream job quite often, but I’ve always known I wanted to be a father.
I guess I was lucky to work for organizations that supported me in my search for balance, and that helped me be more engaged and deliver more heartily at my job. HEINEKEN is one for the books from this perspective. With clear priorities and accountability, and even clearer rules of engagement with one another, it not only allows, but promotes people’s wellbeing. For me and my family, this is extremely important, and it works the other way as well. When the pressure is on at work, I get the support I need to strap in and be there for the organization.
Would not necessarily call it advice, but lessons I’ve learned along to way. One would be that I only assume two things about the person in front of me: positive intent, and that they are smarter than me in (at least) some things. It is hard not to come out of any conversation richer than before. And the second one is a personal KPI of mine: number of smiles in meetings. I don’t actually count them, but I try to make sure they are there, even through tough times. Smiles are an extremely powerful retention tool, and a brilliant catalyst for problem solving.
That is a tough question, because the answer is still not what I would like it to be. Although I am getting better at carving some time for myself as well. Adapting to the new reality is key. With three kids on my back, I rarely have time for a standard chess game, but I’ve come to love speed chess games, where I would play anything between 2-to-10-minute games. I also try to join a friendly football game every couple of weeks, usually after the children’s bedtime.
Oh, I actually know the answer to this one ! About five and a half years ago, when my wife was pregnant with our eldest daughter, we moved into a bigger place. And as the landlord gave us the keys and left us in the empty apartment, we took a minute to cherish the way our lives were changing. And we did something that will always stay with me. We decided then and there what our core values were, so that as parents, we would live by them, and try and instill them in our children. So we took a bit of chalk and scribbled these four words on the kitchen walls: TRUST, COURAGE, KINDNESS, FUN.
I won’t go into details on any of them, only say I found them in plenty supply here at HEINEKEN. The company’s mission of brewing the joy of true togetherness strings all of them together perfectly.
Be kind. Be brave. Be patient.
