IBSU’s Knowledge Sharing Initiative Promotes Improved Workplace Connection and Understanding

[Mt. Eriama Campus, 11 Mile, Port Moresby, 22 March 2025] – IBSUniversity advanced its goal of improving workplace relationships with an engaging session titled “Bringing Generations Together: Ideas for Engagement at IBSU.” Held on Saturday, 22nd March, the session was presented by Mr. Gordon Sailas, Head of People & Culture, and forms part of IBSU Vice Chancellor Professor Ramachandran Arunachalam’s recently introduced knowledge-sharing and learning initiative.

The session examined methods of improving work relationships between staff members from Generation X (Gen X), Generation Y (Millennials), and Generation Z (Gen Z). The main theme? A diversified workforce, rich in generational viewpoints, is essential to progress and overall success at IBSUniversity.

Understanding Generational Differences

Mr. Sailas’s presentation gave valuable information about the traits and values of each generation present at IBSU:

• Generation X (1965–1980): This group values direct communication, stability, and experience. They have a strong work ethic and appreciate flexibility and evolving social roles. Diversity and personal development are important to Gen X, and they often value competence over rank. With 16 Gen X staff members at IBSU, creating a multi-generational setup with personal development initiatives is vital to keeping this valuable group.

• Generation Y / Millennials (1981–1996): This generation prefers technology, teamwork, and career advancement. They are often motivated by financial stability, job security, and a desire to be part of something bigger than profits, valuing sustainability and work-life balance. With 57 Millennials at IBSU, providing a clear route toward career advancement, professional development, promotion opportunities, and team-building activities is important. Flexibility, remote work options, and self-care opportunities also aid their well-being and retention.

• Generation Z (1997–2012): Tech-savvy and valuing flexibility and new ideas, Gen Z employees are generally entrepreneurial, independent, and competitive. At IBSU, where 45 staff members are Gen Z, it’s important to note that they work best with businesses that prioritize sustainable and socially responsible practices. Personal connection, empathy, open communication, and attention to mental health are vital. Company culture should show diversity, equity, and inclusion, offering non-traditional work schedules and remote work opportunities. Mentorship, wellness programs, and career development are ways to keep Gen Z.

Strategies for Generational Connection

Mr. Sailas outlined several methods and applied tactics to improve connections and relationships across generations at IBSU:

• Urging Group Projects: Promoting teamwork across generations by assigning projects that need input from all age groups and matching roles to strengths (Gen X as mentors, Gen Y as facilitators, Gen Z as idea generators).

• Appreciating Variety: Acknowledging the unique strengths of each generation through team-building events that promote inclusion and recognizing contributions through tailored appreciation methods.

• Offering Career Growth: Supporting professional growth for all generations by offering training programs tailored to different age groups and creating leadership pathways for younger employees while utilizing Gen X’s experience.

• Urging Shared Decision-Making: Making certain all generations contribute to shaping IBSU’s future by conducting brainstorming sessions with multi-generational input and implementing feedback loops where all viewpoints are valued.

• Urging Open Communication: Promoting clear and inclusive communication by using multiple channels (emails, meetings, online platforms) and conducting regular feedback sessions to make sure everyone’s voice is heard.

• Improving Technology Use: Utilizing digital tools to improve connection by implementing platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom for teamwork, training Gen X staff on modern tools, and using gamification to make learning and work interactive.

• Strengthening Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging cross-generational mentorship by pairing senior staff (Gen X) with younger staff for knowledge exchange, organizing workshops where different generations give information, and promoting project teams with mixed age groups.

• Creating a Flexible Work Environment: Balancing flexibility with stability by offering hybrid work options where applicable and on results rather than rigid work hours.

The Role of Leadership

The presentation placed importance on the vital role of leadership in driving engagement and continuous improvement. Leaders must set an example, demonstrating inclusion and respect, facilitating communication, being adaptable, leading with empathy, and investing in training.

Conclusion

The session finished with a strong suggestion to accept generational variety at IBSU. With improved connections between Gen X, Y, and Z, and with engaged leadership, IBSUniversity is set to create a stronger, more new, and successful environment for all.

Contact: