“Research has shown that generations truly differ from each other and that those differences will continue to increase”, states Jeroen. “That is precisely why the YGB was set up: to enable different perspectives to come together in order to gain a more complete and multifaceted view.” And perspectives are certainly what the team provides. In this way, they are putting topics on the agenda that are important to young adults and also therefore to VodafoneZiggo. Examples include topics like how we deploy our corporate social responsibility policy towards young people and how we involve them in the future of VodafoneZiggo.
From all corners of the company
Where do you conjure up such enterprising young people from? Simple, according to the CEO. “They had already been working here for a long time. They were just spread across all corners of the company.” Therefore, it doesn’t matter which position you hold to be a member of the YGB. From call centre worker to data analyst, everyone is welcome. You do need to be motivated to bring about change, have a way with words and above all: no older than 34. “The 35-plus age range is already represented in the SLT and what we’re actually looking for is new insights”, explains Hoencamp. “It is important to be open to other people’s points of view. That injects a considerable dose of diversity and innovation.”
Not afraid to receive advice
From the beginning, the YGB were advised to think out of the box, and above all not to give any ‘correct’ answers. The YGV has taken that advice to heart. For example, when giving their first recommendations, the YGB already asked questions about things that seemed very normal, but were not actually so smart. Why doesn’t VodafoneZiggo communicate from one of the customer brands in the case of many social initiatives? After all, the customers know these brands from the services and products that they use. And why don’t we collaborate more with our parent companies, thus increasing our impact on the world? Pretty cheeky, but also enlightening. Such questions immediately get you thinking. “It is precisely because we feel so strongly about our social mission that I am encouraging the YGB to take the lead, to be bold and to step off the beaten track. Only that way can we learn from each other and create an improved corporate culture.”
An opportunity for everyone
To prevent the development of the YGB from stagnating, a new team is put together each year. Membership of the YBG is therefore temporary, which means that everyone has the opportunity to share their visions with the Board of Directors. This is also in keeping with one of VodafoneZiggo’s core values: 'Open Up, Step Up, Team Up.' Jeroen explains: “Thanks to an Open Up from our Senior Leadership Team and a Step Up from our young colleagues, we have now achieved a fantastic and valuable Team Up.” And we are going to hear and see even more from that collaboration in the coming years.