Beyond Age: China Best Practices- Nestlé

In today's rapidly changing workplace environment, companies must address not only market challenges but also the overall health and well-being of their employees. Especially when dealing with a multi-generational workforce, creating a healthy workplace that bridges age gaps is a crucial task for managers. Nestlé China has long been committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture, aiming to break down age barriers, unleash the potential of different generations, and promote equality and mutual understanding among age groups.

Strengthening Cross-Generational Communication: To foster mutual support among employees and create opportunities for multi-generational teamwork, Nestlé has introduced a Reverse Mentoring program for managers and younger employees. This program encourages sharing of experiences and knowledge across age groups, leading to mutual benefits. In this practice, younger employees act as mentors, while senior managers participate as learners. Each session focuses on a specific theme shared with senior leaders, allowing them to view things through the “eyes” of Generation Z. This reversal of traditional mentoring roles helps senior managers correct their thinking patterns influenced by experience, understand rapidly changing market dynamics, and adjust company strategies accordingly. Simultaneously, younger employees gain more opportunities to express their opinions and showcase their talents, boosting their confidence and sense of responsibility, and promoting inclusion and diversity within the organization. The program has been well-received by both management and internal employees at Nestlé. 

Shadow Board program is a Cross-Generational communication initiative implemented in Nestlé in the last two years. It aims to support the growth opportunities of young high-potential employees and foster a culture of openness and challenging the status quo. Comprising over ten young members from different business units, the board provides market research and analysis, offering perspectives and recommendations from a younger viewpoint to the senior management on strategic projects. This initiative not only gives young talents exposure and development opportunities but also enhances their commercial acumen and market insight. By shadowing CEO and participating in business meetings, they help integrate the culture into business decisions and ensure that solutions are effectively implemented.

Comprehensive Health and Well-being Program: Employee health is crucial not only for individuals but also for the overall success and development of the company. Nestlé regularly assesses employee health status and satisfaction with health programs to ensure their effectiveness. The company organizes lectures and training on various health issues, including physical, mental, and financial health. These sessions provide employees with the latest health information and practical tips for better self-care. For example, there is a focus on the physical and mental health of middle-aged and older women, addressing issues such as menopausal depression, bone density loss, and cardiovascular disease prevention. A total of 1,700 participants attended the lectures, with 200 interactions. The related tweets had over 1,200 clicks, and the average satisfaction rating was as high as 9.64 out of 10.

In January 2024, Nestlé globally introduced the "Global Management Guidelines for Menopausal Employees," aiming to provide support and create a respectful work culture that acknowledges the unique needs and experiences of employees with menopausal symptoms. The guidelines advocate empathy, openness in discussions, and avoidance of offensive language. They also encourage managers, HR business partners, and on-site medical professionals to offer various types of support. Nestlé is dedicated to supporting the health of employees at all age stages.

Cross-generational collaboration and building a healthy workplace are key to long-term success in today’s multi-generational work environment. By understanding the needs of employees from different age groups, enhancing generational communication, implementing comprehensive health programs, and creating a supportive work environment, companies can provide a healthier and more vibrant workplace for all employees. This not only improves overall employee health but also strengthens organizational cohesion and competitiveness.

About Nestle

Established in 1866 and headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland, Nestlé stands as a globally distinguished leader in the food and beverage sector. With a mission to harness the potential of food, we aim to elevate the quality of life for all, both now and in future generations. Our expansive portfolio boasts over 2,000 brands, from internationally recognized names to beloved local entities, marking our presence in 188 countries globally. These esteemed brands enable us to present a comprehensive range of products encompassing infant nutrition, water, coffee, chocolate, confectionery, pet care, professional solutions, dairy, health science, frozen cuisine, culinary specialities, and more. Nestlé has a global presence with approximately 270,000 employees. The Greater China Zone is one of Nestlé's five major regions and has more than 20,000 employees.