When you talk to Chris, one thing stands out immediately: a passion for the profession and a down-to-earth view of people. With a career that began on the shop floor and led to a management position, Chris has seen the sector change. "I started when I was fifteen," Chris says. "In those days, the hierarchy was very different. You did what was asked, and the seniority of your colleagues was sacred. Today, that dynamic has completely shifted."
The Power of Instinct versus Theory
One of Chris's most interesting observations is the different foundations from which generations work. On one hand, you have the older generation, who often act from what Chris calls 'maternal instinct'. "They have years of experience. They 'see' what a child needs without looking in a textbook. That is priceless."
On the other hand, there is the younger generation. "They arrive with a backpack full of current theories. They know the specific developmental milestones by heart and can pinpoint exactly why a child exhibits certain behavior according to the latest scientific insights. The challenge and the strength lie in bringing those two worlds together."
For this reason, Chris deliberately organizes sessions where different age groups work together on cases, for example, regarding safety and safeguarding. "The older guard brings in practical wisdom, the younger ones the theoretical frameworks. When they start listening to each other, a safer and higher-quality environment for the children is created."
Communication as the Biggest Hurdle
Yet, this collaboration does not always go off without a hitch. Communication often turns out to be the biggest challenge. "In the past, the tone was more business-like. Now, as a manager, you have to be much more of a coach," Chris explains. "The younger generation wants to be understood. They no longer settle for 'because we’ve always done it this way'. They want to know the 'why'. For the older guard, this can sometimes feel like a lack of respect or an attack on their authority, while it is actually just a different way of learning."
In addition, the social aspect plays a role. Outside of work, the generations often have few common interests, which makes team building more difficult. Chris tries to bridge this by stimulating a culture of openness on the work floor. "I’m still 'on the floor' regularly myself. I don’t want to be that manager who just sits in an office. By setting a good example myself—staying calm under pressure, calling everyone by name, showing genuine interest—I hope to reduce those barriers."
Mental Health
A striking difference that Chris mentions is the attention to mental health. Where the older generation was used to "not complaining and just getting on with it," the current generation is much more active regarding their mental health.
"That is a positive development, but it does demand something from the organization," says Chris. "We now offer programs for mental support and have independent advisors that employees can turn to. Younger employees expect that flexibility and support. If you, as an employer, don't go along with that, you lose them. It's no longer just about the salary, but about the question: 'Am I seen here as a human being?'"
The Changing Parent
It’s not just the staff that is changing; parents today are also different than they were twenty years ago. Chris notices that parents have become more vocal and emotional. "Parents experience pressure, and we feel that pressure at the nursery. The challenge for my team is to guard that professional boundary without losing the personal connection. We must be the experts who stand alongside the parent, not above them."
The Future is Inclusive
As a manager, Chris views the future positively, provided we continue to invest in connection. According to Chris, the 'generation gap' is not an insurmountable problem, but an opportunity.
"My advice to other managers? Don't be afraid of the questions from the young people and don't underestimate the intuition of the older generation. The key is mutual respect. If the experienced worker acknowledges the younger colleague and the younger colleague values the experience of the older one, then you have a team that is unbeatable. In the end, we all have the same goal."
For a resilient society
Impact is often found in the smallest moments. Each of those moments may seem small, but together they make a world of difference. For children, parents, colleagues, and the society of tomorrow. In our annual report, you’ll read how we work every day to create a warm and safe place for every child.