Mannheim Handwerkskammer hosts generational leadership workshop

The Handwerkskammer Mannheim Rhein-Neckar-Odenwald, together with Horizont Handwerk and IKK classic, organized a full‑day workshop titled “Gemeinsam stark – Strategien für generationsübergreifende Führung” on 5 October 2026 in its Mannheim headquarters (B1, 1‑2, 68159 Mannheim). The event, free of charge and open to craft business owners, managers and HR staff, addressed the demographic shift in the German craft sector, where baby‑boomers, Generation Z and future Generation Alpha are working side by side.

Katja Mayer, personal consultant at the Handwerkskammer, explained that firms see mixed‑age teams as an opportunity but face many unanswered questions. Participants discussed communication styles, feedback expectations, health considerations across life stages, and ways to transfer knowledge from experienced workers without overburdening them. The workshop also highlighted how to leverage the routine expertise of older employees alongside the flexibility and digital affinity of younger staff.

Practical case studies from everyday craft operations were used to identify suitable leadership tools for each generation and to prevent misunderstandings, aiming to help businesses retain skilled workers while attracting new apprentices.