Dialogue on equal terms

To meet the challenges of a changing world of work, ERGO has launched its Reverse Mentoring programme. The aim is to bring generations closer together and enable them to learn from one another. In our video, a mentor, a mentee and the programme lead explain why this initiative is so valuable for ERGO.

Openness as a Strategic Success Factor

Diversity is a strength and a competitive advantage – bringing together different backgrounds, personalities, preferences, knowledge and skills is a key component of ERGO’s DEI strategy. The open, diversity-based corporate culture provides an excellent foundation for the Reverse Mentoring programme, in which experienced executives benefit from the perspectives of younger colleagues. Since the pilot in 2024, 18 mentoring pairs have already taken part.

Valuable for Everyone Involved

The programme is bearing fruit, reports Anja-Christina Schwenck, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager at ERGO and responsible for the Reverse Mentoring programme: “The feedback we have received so far from mentees and mentors has made it very clear that this dialogue on an equal footing is valuable for everyone involved – and not least for the company. I firmly believe in the effectiveness of this initiative and that we will be able to learn from it for many years to come.”

Four Generations Under One Roof

As in many major companies, more generations are now working together at ERGO than ever before: Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y / Millennials and Generation Z. Employees bring with them a wide variety of knowledge and experience – and it is crucial to harness these resources for the collective benefit.

This is where Reverse Mentoring comes in. At ERGO, the programme emerged from generational management. “With this strategic initiative, we want to create an opportunity to systematically bring the generations into dialogue,” is how Anja-Christina Schwenck sums up the goals.

Role Reversal as a Method

In contrast to traditional mentoring, where an experienced person acts as a mentor and shares their knowledge with someone at the start of their career, Reverse Mentoring involves a change of roles. Younger colleagues share their experiences and perspectives with more seasoned colleagues.

The Knowledge of the Digital Natives

An important aspect of the programme is the digital skill set of Generation Z. Experienced executives benefit from the fresh perspectives and technological affinity of the younger generations. “The key is to experiment and use new technologies in everyday life – not just to listen and watch,” says Leonie Fengler, trainee at ERGO Group and mentor in the Reverse Mentoring programme.

Her mentee was Olaf Bläser, Chief Executive Officer of ERGO Versicherung AG: “I am, by nature, a curious person and I am of course interested in how the next generation