Seoul Facilities Corporation Engages in Communication with MZ Employees through 'Reverse Mentoring'

'Reverse Mentoring' Fully Introduced to Bridge Generational Gaps with 90s-born Employees Mentoring Executives
First Cohort Launched with 26 MZ Generation Employees and 13 Executives Including Chairman Young Korea

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Seoul Facilities Corporation announced on the 16th that it has introduced and is conducting a ‘reverse mentoring’ program in which MZ generation employees become mentors to executives such as the chairman to bridge cultural gaps between generations.

The proportion of MZ generation employees in the corporation is 33%, and since their values and culture differ from those of previous generations, there have been ongoing internal calls for more proactive communication methods to develop the organization’s potential capabilities.

The ‘reverse mentoring’ system is the opposite of traditional mentoring where seniors teach juniors; instead, MZ generation employees become mentors to seniors or executives, introducing young culture and experiences to enhance mutual understanding between generations. In particular, the program is structured with two young mentors per one executive, providing a foundation for informal activities. Since early August, the first reverse mentoring program has been underway with 13 teams consisting of 26 MZ generation mentors and 13 executives, including Chairman Han Guk-yeong.

All 26 mentors joined the corporation after 2017 and have worked for less than five years, with an average age of 28.8 years. The 13 mentees, including Chairman Han Guk-yeong, headquarters heads, and department heads, have an average age of 56.6 years.

Before starting full activities, participants in the first program spent a week communicating anonymously online without revealing their identities. Mentors and mentees with similar interests were paired, and for about a month, they have continued communication in ways that suit them, such as participating in one-day classes or having lunch together.

The corporation plans to complete the first program, which includes experiences and social contribution activities, by the end of this year, analyze its effects, and continuously develop the program by reflecting participants’ feedback. Chairman Han Guk-yeong said, “Through reverse mentoring, the older generation will try to make decisions considering the perspectives and opinions of the younger generation, and the younger generation will be able to immerse themselves in their work with high trust in the decisions of the older generation.” He added, “This will be an opportunity to enhance the organization’s capabilities and part of efforts to improve citizen convenience and ensure safety.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.