GenUs is Bridging Generations Across Humana

Humana’s multigenerational Network Resource Group (NRG) GenUs – a voluntary, employee-driven group that celebrates age diversity – fosters intergenerational connections and works to advance a culture of age equity in the workplace. Humana intentionally focuses on points of intersectionality by taking a multi-generational approach to increase opportunities for connection, co-learning and collaboration. 

Sharing tools for connection

GenUs works to create positive experiences and meaningful engagement for each of the five generations represented in our workforce. Combatting ageism is an important part of the NRG’s mission, and to ensure that employees are valued for their experience and point of view, the group created a learning opportunity called “Combatting Ageism and Why it Matters.” The session acts as an important first step in identifying age-related bias and understanding how it may show up in the workplace. 

To build on this, GenUs also recently hosted large and small group discussions on addressing age-related challenges and opportunities in the workplace and ways to empower each other in a multi-generational workforce. Those who attended the sessions shared that they appreciated the ability to connect and share their experiences while also dispelling myths and stereotypes that can adversely impact relationship building. 

The NRG has developed an ally toolkit to share resources and best practices that foster an inclusive, multi-generational workplace. Members of GenUs (or GenUs leadership) have presented the toolkit to stakeholders across the company. To expand community engagement and meaningful dialogue, the NRG created a book club where participants discuss selected readings and how they relate to experiences. 

Improving health outcomes and celebrating intergenerational leaders

Humana’s business is centered on the health and well-being of our members and our patients. We serve more than 5.5 million individuals through our Medicare Advantage plans, the majority of whom are seniors. Our CenterWell Senior Primary Care centers are designed to support the specific health and social needs of seniors in our communities and our CenterWell Home Health services are available to members and patients of all ages. GenUs provides a mechanism for cross-generational communication, collaboration and mentorship. The insights gained from these interactions allow GenUs participants to understand the preferences, expectations and concerns of Humana’s members and patients. This translates into more personalized, empathetic, high-quality care. 

During this year’s Intergeneration Month, GenUs will partner with the Health Equity and Social Impact (HESI) team to host an event focused on better understanding of the evolution of healthcare needs as an individual ages. During the session, the HESI team will share initiatives currently underway to improve health outcomes for members and to share ways that employees can support this work and with a plan to expand to different Humana membership populations in future sessions. 

To further the NRG’s work and provide leadership development opportunities, GenUs has created an ambassador program. Participants identify skills they’d like to develop for career advancement and create projects that allow them to practice those skills. A recent example is "Decades," a monthly Humana radio program where hosts and guests share music and stories from their generation that illuminate the experience of a specific moment in time. 

To recognize individuals who are going above and beyond in fostering intergenerational connection and understanding, the NRG recently announced the GenUs Advocacy Award, and the inaugural honoree will be announced during Intergeneration Month. GenUs hopes that these events, activities and discussions will inspire everyone to find new ways they can celebrate age diversity and inclusivity.  

Learn more about our efforts, goals and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in Humana's Impact Report. Interested in working for an organization committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Visit Careers.Humana.com to learn more about our culture of inclusion and explore open job opportunities.