WBJ: Your report, Me at My Age, conducted by Unum and the University of Warsaw, challenges many common assumptions about generational divides. What surprised you most in the findings, and what do they say about the state of Polish society today?

Aneta Podyma: What surprised me most was how much we have in common, despite how often we talk about differences between generations. In public debate, we often hear that Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z live in completely different worlds. Meanwhile, the report Me at My Age shows something much more optimistic.

Regardless of age, Poles define adulthood in very similar ways: responsibility for one’s own decisions, financial independence and care for loved ones. We differ in experience, life situation and the challenges we face, but the foundation of values remains remarkably consistent.

Despite technological, economic and cultural change, there are still values that create common ground. At a time when it is easy to emphasize divisions, we found plenty of evidence that more connects us than divides us.

Financial independence remains the most universal indicator of maturity. How does this influence Unum’s approach to customer education and product development?

As many as 74% of respondents indicated financial independence as a key marker of adulthood. For Unum, this confirms that financial security is not a luxury, but the foundation of peace of mind, agency and the ability to pursue life plans.

That is why our role is not limited to offering insurance products. We want to help people build financial resilience and support them in decisions with long-term consequences.

We focus on health education, prevention, simple communication and solutions that respond to real needs. Our offer includes life insurance and products that provide support in the event of serious illness, including cardiac and oncological diseases. People do not expect complicated products. They expect support that helps them maintain financial stability in the hardest moments.

Unum works with both individual clients and employers. What conclusions can employers draw from the report?

Too often, we try to manage generations, when we should be trying to understand people and their current needs. A young employee starting a career may need something different from a parent of young children or someone preparing for retirement. This does not result from different values, but from where that person is in life.

For employers, this means building more flexible work environments that reflect diverse life experiences. When we look at employees through the lens of life stage rather than generational stereotypes, it becomes easier to build engagement, cooperation and mutual understanding. It is also easier to offer benefits that support varied needs, such as group life insurance with options adjusted to lifestyle, risks and individual circumstances.

People who have positive experiences with the insurance sector are more likely to describe themselves as responsible and satisfied with life. What does this tell us about financial institutions?

It shows that financial institutions can play a greater role than merely providing services. When people feel prepared for unforeseen events, it is easier for them to make decisions, plan for the future and pursue their goals. Financial protection builds confidence and increases resilience to life crises.

Knowing there is a contingency plan and support in a difficult moment gives people greater peace of mind. And peace of mind is one of the most sought-after resources today.

How do you see the connection between financial security and corporate social responsibility?

It is much stronger than we often assume. Responsible business does not begin with an ESG report. It begins with a real impact on people’s lives.

If we help families maintain financial stability after illness, an accident or the death of a loved one, we create social value in a very concrete sense. Financial security affects mental health, family relationships, professional activity and quality of life.

That is why social responsibility is not an addition to our business activity. It is embedded in our mission. We believe that a strong society is built by strengthening people’s sense of security and agency.

How does Unum translate responsibility into its own culture and social activities?

Responsibility is more than a value written into a strategy. It is a way of making decisions every day. In our organization, this means listening to employees, building trust and creating space for people to develop their potential. We invest in development and mentoring programs, as well as well-being and diversity initiatives, because responsibility begins with care for people.

We pursue a similar philosophy through the Unum Foundation. We support health, education and employee volunteering because we want to have a positive impact not only on clients, but also on the communities of which we are part.

What is the one message business leaders should take from Unum’s experience and research?

Let us stop focusing on what divides us and start noticing what connects us. The Me at My Age report shows that regardless of age, people want very similar things: security, respect, development opportunities, stability and good relationships.

The future of work, inclusion and long-term value creation will not be based on labeling people by age. It will be based on empathy, understanding and environments in which everyone can realize their potential. That is where real value is created, both for organizations and for society. 

Aneta Podyma CEO of Unum Życie