Generatie Game
Instituut Gak
A new approach to a healthy workplace, supported by Instituut Gak
With the introduction of the Generation Game, UNSNOOZED helps teams break through assumptions and strengthen collaboration. Because talking about the generational gap doesn’t solve anything; it’s the conversation with each other that makes expectations and misunderstandings open to discussion. From that conviction, Instituut Gak invested in the development of the Generation Game within its Work and Prevention programme. The fund supports initiatives that contribute to a strong and fair labour market, with sustainable solutions for work and social security.
The challenge
The Netherlands has been facing a work-stress epidemic for years: one in five employees experiences burn-out symptoms (RIVM), and work-related stress is the leading cause of long-term absenteeism. At the same time, generations experience work in fundamentally different ways. Younger employees seek meaning, balance and a voice in decision-making; older generations grew up with loyalty, hard work and a “don’t complain, just get on with it” mindset. In many teams, these differences quietly create friction. Assumptions, stereotyping and misunderstandings lead to tension and unspoken expectations.
The solution
With support from Instituut Gak, UNSNOOZED developed a playful, experience-based method in which team members step into the shoes of another generation to discover how working styles, expectations and workplace language can differ. While playing, assumptions become visible without the conversation becoming heavy. The Generation Game acts as a catalyst: a simple way to start talking. What follows are open conversations about collaboration and communication between generations, where unspoken expectations come to the surface. It's the kind of conversations that usually remain unsaid.
The impact
The Generation Game has a clear goal: strengthening mutual understanding within teams. The game is now being used across sectors such as government, the creative industries, construction, print and education, both in the Netherlands and internationally. Its innovative approach has also attracted media attention from outlets including De Ondernemer, NPO Radio 1, Frankwatching and Algemeen Dagblad. Read more press.
A game that helps generations in the workplace understand each other better, it’s pretty much ideal.
