Four generations, one workplace—and a network that builds bridges. At Knorr-Bremse, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Gen Z work side by side. Different values, experiences, and expectations come together—creating new opportunities. The Generations@KB network shows how diversity becomes strength: through dialogue, mutual learning, and fresh ideas for everyday work.
The world of work is changing rapidly: digitalization, demographic shifts, and new forms of collaboration present challenges for companies. Those who actively foster cross-generational exchange not only safeguard valuable knowledge but also strengthen innovation and corporate culture. That’s exactly where Generations@KB comes in.
A Network with Many Facets
Founded in June 2024 at the Munich site, Generations@KB has grown into a vibrant platform for cross-departmental exchange, knowledge sharing, and personal connections. Its goal: to build bridges between generations, break down stereotypes, and spark new impulses for personal growth. Whether through reverse mentoring, KB Talks with selected guest speakers, or informal formats like the Newcomers Lunch—the network offers countless opportunities to connect and grow together.
Formats That Bring People Together
Generations@KB offers a wide range of formats—something for everyone. Regular opportunities for interdisciplinary interaction invite dialogue.
A highlight on the event calendar: The KB Talks. Past topics have included “Career Enablers,” “Life as an Expat,” and more recently “Resilience & Mental Health” and “AI, People & New Work”—all of which drew strong interest.
The network stays ahead of the curve by collaborating with other internal initiatives, such as joint activities with the Knorr-Bremse Student Hub, which promotes exchange among students. At Knorr-Bremse’s 120th anniversary family celebration in Munich, the network hosted its own booth. Colleagues and their families enthusiastically painted giant canvases depicting what 120 years of Knorr-Bremse means to them. Young or old—everyone could contribute. Today, those artworks adorn the staircase leading to the company canteen at Knorr-Bremse’s Munich headquarters.“.
Three Pillars for Dialogue
The Generations@KB network is built on three thematic pillars:
- Skills & Knowledge: Formats like KB Talks, hands-on training, and knowledge sharing through the AI Hub promote the transfer of know-how and experience.
- Network & Connect: Initiatives such as Lunch & Connect, Coffee Breaks, or after-work events create space for interaction and dialogue across departments.
- Grow Together: A favorite among employees—the Reverse Mentoring Program, where younger colleagues offer fresh perspectives to experienced team members.
With the New Work Lunch & Learn series “Collaboration Made Awesome,” Generations@KB brings fresh ideas to everyday work: interactive sessions introduce employees to smart tools and methods that take teamwork to the next level—from mindful meeting design to creative problem-solving approaches. During the KB Talk on AI, the network experimented for the first time—in true “New Work style”—with a World Café format for participants.
The newest initiative, the AI Hub, aims to become a central point for digital future ideas. Its mission: to raise awareness of artificial intelligence and empower employees to actively shape digital transformation. With the launch of the first AI podcast episode in December and regular AI Cafés, these ideas are already taking shape.
Reverse Mentoring at Knorr-Bremse: Rethinking Collaboration
A special facet of the network is its Reverse Mentoring Program. Launched with 19 Munich-based tandems in 2024, the cross-generational format entered its second round this November with 32 participants. Here, traditional roles are reversed: young professionals become mentors, experienced employees become mentees.
The tandems meet regularly and organize themselves—over lunch, a walk, or coffee. Conversation guides support discussions on topics like AI, social media, technology, or career planning. Some pairs developed LinkedIn profiles together, conducted potential analyses, or created prompts using Microsoft Copilot.
A Change of Perspective with Added Value
For Annika Amann (Talent Management & Learning), joining the Reverse Mentoring Program was a door-opener: “Reverse Mentoring started just as I joined Knorr-Bremse—a wonderful opportunity to get involved as a newcomer and discover the company in ways I might never have experienced otherwise. For example, I was able to tap into my tandem partner Marco’s network since he’s been with Knorr-Bremse for several years.”
Marco Langwadt (Digital Sales Engineer), who participated as a mentee, shares a positive takeaway: “My conversations with Annika were very diverse because she’s new to Knorr-Bremse and works in a non-technical area. We mainly talked about intercultural communication, talent development, and AI & data. For instance, we compared my experiences from living abroad in China with the fundamentals of intercultural communication from her studies. That sparked the idea of creating training programs that combine Knorr-Bremse’s practical experience with standard intercultural training—stay tuned.”
Annika and Marco met regularly for over a year—both in person and virtually—and have continued their exchanges beyond the official program duration.
Shaping the Future Together
“In reverse mentoring, creating an open and trusting atmosphere is key. Often, surprising commonalities emerge during conversations,” emphasizes Theresa Mulzer, HR Professional and head of the Generations network. “Our goal is to unlock the full potential of all participants—for the benefit of individuals and the company. After all, employees bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that everyone can benefit from,” adds Michaela Beck (Sales Management), who co-leads the network with Theresa.
The Generations network thrives on active participation. True dialogue happens when people are willing to engage and listen. Questions like “What do I want to learn from others?” or “What topics can I share?” not only open doors to new perspectives but also foster self-reflection, mutual understanding, and the courage to spark new ideas. This creates a collaborative environment that combines experience and drives innovation—for a workplace that truly connects.
