Last week, we explored how age shapes the IT industry and our workplaces at the National Gallery of Denmark – SMK, where IT-Branchen hosted its fifth annual event on diversity, equity and inclusion. This year’s theme was ”Generations in IT” moderated by CEO of IT-Branchen, Natasha Friis Saxberg.
So what do generational differences look like in practice? And do they matter as much as we think?
While differences do certainly exist, one message stood out from the day: “There is so much more that unites us than divides us across generations.”
From generation gap to boost
Sociologist Emilia van Hauen set the tone by challenging the way we typically talk about generations: “We are so much more than our generation but we are also our generations.”
In other words, generational differences matter but they don’t define us. Instead of framing generations as a divide, she encouraged organisations to see them as a strength:
“We should see different generations not as a gap, but as a boost.”
This shift in perspective is crucial. Because while workplaces today bring together more generations than ever before, the real opportunity lies in what happens when different perspectives meet. And not in what separates them.
A changing view of work, identity and power
In the following conversation, Professor Emeritus Ditlev Tamm and change agent Moussa Mchangama added a broader societal perspective and shared their personal experiences.
Ditlev Tamm made clear that for him age brings something essential: “The strength of getting older is caring less.”
By that he means that with age comes a clearer focus on what truly matters: Relationships, perspective and meaning rather than status, expectations and conventions.
At the same time, he found that younger generations bring a different kind of strength: the willingness to question, challenge and rethink established norms.
And that shift is already affecting how we understand work.
Moussa Mchangama pointed out: “The idea of the separation between private and professional, that when we go to work you leave everything behind and then you go back home … I think that really is being negotiated quite a lot.”
Work is no longer just about performance. Today it is also about identity, belonging and how we view ourselves as individuals.
In a world shaped by rapid technological change and global power structures, both speakers pointed to one shared priority: “Critical thinking is the greatest value to preserve across generations.”
Age is just a number – good leadership is timeless
The final panel of the afternoon gave their perspectives and experiences on what works in practice when it comes to accommodating different generations at the same workplace. The participants were Annika Guldberg Riis, Group Sustainability Manager from Aeven, Peter Haugaard HR Director from EY and Søren Rinnov Østergaard, Country Director from Samsung Denmark.
The panel agreed that while differences in expectations across generations are real, they are often overstated.
Younger generations may expect more feedback, flexibility and transparency. And many organisations have already adapted, for example through more frequent feedback such as annual and quarterly reviews and clearer expectation setting.
But when it comes to leadership, the fundamentals remain surprisingly consistent.
Clear goals, trust and authenticity are common expectations across all generations. “Even though that’s traditional leadership, it works across generations” the panel agreed.
Great teamwork and a strong, supportive manager are often what create a sense of belonging for everyone despite their age.
Voice of the next generation
To close the event, slam poet Christine Fast Lisby delivered a powerful performance, reminding us with humour and precision that “age is just a number, and generations are just a letter.”
And perhaps that is the real takeaway. While generations may shape us, they do not define us, and they should never limit how we work together.
Thanks to all speakers and participants for an inspiring afternoon and to our partners, Aeven and TDC Erhverv, who powered the event.
Advice for getting started and expanding your work with diversity & generations
If you’re looking to strengthen your work with diversity and inclusion, you can find practical cases, inspiration, advice and concrete recommendations in our diversity universe here.
You are also welcome to contact Charlotte Holm Billund if you want to learn more or contribute to the work.
