Diversity

Multi-generations working together: A mutually beneficial relationship

Jorge Andrés, Madrid, Spain
"Since my first day at Mercer, colleagues of different generations have helped me when I had doubts or problems or needed any kind of support. Colleagues never hesitate to help each other and readily contribute their experience on different projects and look for ways to innovate."

Leanne Johnston, Manchester, United Kingdom
"As a pension consultant, I work with a large range of clients, all from various backgrounds and different generations. Working with different generations in the office helps me to gain insight into how to adapt my style of consulting and communication to engage the client. The experience and knowledge from the older generations are vital when consulting, whilst the younger generation typically provides fresh ideas and perspective on things that have been done the same for years."

Martin Stevenson, Sydney, Australia
"I have benefited from generational diversity from both ends of the spectrum. When I was a young employee, I gained priceless experience from my more senior colleagues. I gained knowledge from working with them on the true meaning of professionalism and of meeting and exceeding client expectations. Now that I have reached a more senior status, I draw strength from the younger generation - from their enthusiasm, their energy, their knowledge of leading-edge technology and the new perspectives they provide in respect of old challenges."

Gustavo Sosa-Rostan, Bogota, Colombia
"It is important to balance the experience that older employees have with the energy, vision and can-do attitude that young employees bring to the job. It is the right combination of these factors that helps us create and offer better solutions for our clients. Working with mates and leaders of a variety of ages has let me improve the way I analyze different matters because I have learned to have new opinions or ways to do things. Feeling supported and motivated has made me take new responsibilities and challenges, being more confident about myself."

Hiroshi Baensch, New York, United States
"Generational diversity is a critical ingredient to effective brainstorming during sales pursuits. The unique perspectives of consultants from different generations (and genders, ethnicities, political beliefs, backgrounds) increase the likelihood that we will come up with a solution that resonates with our prospects and decision makers. While there is certainly the potential for generations to collide, different views provide us with the opportunity to discuss how our client contacts and different constituencies may react to our solution because, more often than not, our clients are comprised of a complex and diverse network of stakeholders, champions and gatekeepers, spanning multiple generations."

Racial and Ethnic Diversity (RED) Network

Jeff Miller, Executive sponsor
"Through the network, I'm engaged in conversations that are both challenging and consciousness-raising. Open, frank dialog is critical to understanding the different experiences and perceptions that exist within Mercer. Our networks are an essential vehicle for making that dialog happen and for bringing people together."

Nina Chen
"Employees can benefit directly through the network's programming and events, such as learning opportunities, mentoring or expansion of their network of colleagues. Networks also allow employees to tap into points of views and experiences that may be different from theirs, thereby broadening their thinking, knowledge and development."

Clare Collins-Newton
"Labor statistics are showing that our markets are becoming increasingly more diverse in terms of the number of women, minorities, generations, etc. Employee networks are critical to our attraction, retention and development strategy, ensuring equal consideration and opportunity to all employees at every point in their career. Networks are not about preferential treatment but about creating a level playing field for everyone. They allow Mercer to walk the talk, thus supporting Mercer's vision of being both a provider and employer of choice."

Women's Network

Pat Milligan, Executive sponsor
"Being part of the Women's Network is personally energizing. We have incredibly talented women around the world at Mercer. When they come together through the networks, their commitment and passion are forces of change and personal and commercial growth. Our networks, our women, are helping to set the people agenda at Mercer, and I love being part of that."

Shere Detwiler
"Employee networks are a great way for people to meet each other and learn from each other, with the hope that connections will be made, mentors/coaches will be identified and our colleagues will feel very comfortable seeking advice from others as they progress in their careers."

Barb Marder
"Our Women's Network works to ensure that Mercer has a full complement of women within our leadership ... with women being recognized and given the opportunity to lead. The network allows for personal connections and also provides the mentoring opportunities to the next generation of women."

Mercer's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Network

David Goldenberg, Executive co-sponsor
"One of the best aspects of being involved with the LGBT Network is the opportunity to interact with people throughout the organization and to make an impact on their experience at Mercer. It's wonderful to be part of a network that is working to ensure that Mercer is a place where all employees can bring their whole selves to work."

Andrew Beagley, Executive co-sponsor
"My involvement with the LGBT Network has widened my view of Mercer, our talent and our diversity. I have connections to people I wouldn't normally work with and to whom I can offer support and guidance. Mentoring our talent, in all its diversity, is critical for our people, Mercer and our clients."

James Campbell
"Networks can help make employees comfortable with coming to work and not having to check anything at the door. They allow people to connect, both inside and outside the company, in ways that they normally could not have. I've been able to expand my business network, both internally and externally and, as a result, have had some opportunities arise that may not have existed had it not been for these contacts."

Darrick Sampson
"It has been tremendously fulfilling to see so many connections made, to see colleagues come together to support our communities and programs."