The impact of these changes affects not only businesses and organizations, but also local healthcare and social cohesion. Healthy working conditions and robust workplace health promotion play a central role in fostering positive workplace relationships and ensuring a long-term supply of skilled workers.

Demographic trends have been foreseeable for years—yet the associated changes still catch many companies and institutions off guard in their day-to-day operations. Tensions, misunderstandings, and differing expectations regarding communication, collaboration, and leadership are particularly common in intergenerational workplaces.

However, simplistic labels such as the supposedly “work-shy” Gen Z or “change-resistant” older generations fall short. Instead of polemical clichés, we need a nuanced view of generational diversity and the question of how collaboration between different age groups can be structured constructively.

Against this backdrop, the state capital of Mainz, together with various cooperation partners, invites you to a symposium on workplace health promotion on June 25, 2026, in Mainz. The event is titled: “Intergenerational Work – Clash of Cultures or Learning with and from One Another?”

The symposium will take place on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the premises of Mainzer Stadtwerke AG, Rheinallee 41, 55118 Mainz.

“Collaboration between different generations is often influenced by stereotypical notions of roles. At the same time, however, it offers enormous potential for mutual learning and successful cooperation,” emphasizes Jana Schmöller, Director of Social Affairs, Children, Youth, and Health.

Karin Engel of the Psychosoziale Arbeitsgemeinschaft Mainz e. V. also underscores the importance of a nuanced perspective on generational diversity in everyday work life: “Polemical generalizations are of little help. Rather, it is essential to understand the strengths of different generations and develop constructive ways to collaborate.” 

The symposium will focus on academic insights, expert presentations, discussions, and practice-oriented workshops. The mechanisms underlying generational perceptions and stereotypes will be analyzed, and constructive approaches for healthy and successful collaboration in everyday work will be developed. The workshops offer participants the opportunity to develop concrete practical guidance for their professional lives and to engage in intensive exchange with colleagues.

Among other things, the workshops will address the following questions:

• How do generational stereotypes affect collaboration and communication?
• What opportunities does intergenerational work offer?
• How can companies and organizations actively counteract conflicts and prejudices?
• What specific tools support healthy and successful work in everyday life?

With its annual symposium, the state capital of Mainz offers a platform for discussion, exchange, and professional development centered on workplace health promotion. This year, the event is being held in cooperation with Mainzer Stadtwerke AG, which is also hosting the symposium.

Registration and Participation

Registration is open until June 15, 2026. The conference fee is 35 euros and includes beverages and refreshments during breaks.

Please register by mail or email at:

Email: gesundheitsfoerderungstadt.mainzde
State Capital of Mainz
Office for Social Services – Health Promotion
Dorothee Borngässer
Kaiserstrasse 3–5
55116 Mainz