Although I am very much aware of inter-generational differences, I had not realised how the millennial and Gen Z attitude to work could be, in general, so different from the mindset of Baby Boomers (my generation).

In 2021, 20% of the visitors to the Ombud’s office were under 30. I would like to share with you the main issues and concerns that affected them. 

In his 2020 annual report, my predecessor in the Ombud’s office asks a challenging question: “Why are relations with the hierarchy the number one source of conflicts reported to the Ombud’s Office?”

The respect that others show us, like esteem, is part of our dignity, so it’s no wonder that we’re so taken aback and upset when it’s missing.

While the annual performance appraisal interviews are in full swing and thinking about my discussions on the subject with visitors to my office, I feel it’s appropriate to underline the importance of each party being open, honest, respectful and considerate and, in particular, of a clear

Some visitors to the Ombud’s Office tell me they don’t feel entirely comfortable expressing their ideas, concerns and opinions within their team or to their supervis

Some visitors to the Ombud’s office tell me that they are “too insignificant” or “too low” in the chain of command for their opinion to really matter. 

We all have our own needs and our own limits.

Conflicts within a team have repercussions not only for its members’ well-being, but also for the achievement of work objectives, resulting in loss of efficiency, lack of collaboration, absenteeism, damage to the team’s reputation, etc.

In a previous article, I underlined how conflicts may actually have a constructive impact when addressed in a timely and effective fashion.