A dense 3-day-programme awaited 50 HR professionals from 24 companies in 15 countries who came together in the Baleares last May.
In the picturesque main hall of the theatre, Miquel Martorell, our host from the Teatre Principal de Palma who has recently been appointed as General Manager, welcomed us as the main themes of the forum were presented. Our first day saw an immersive afternoon of break-outs and group discussions on the role of the human resources department for their respective organisations and on the relationships with trade unions and collectives within an opera company, moderated by Paolo Bruno from Teatro Comunale di Bologna.
In order to show some of the patrimony of the Balearic Islands, we spent the second day on a finca in the hinterland of Palma, Casa Esmet, a local inclusivity project, where the group was invited to taste the local products and enjoyed a homemade Paëlla. The morning was dedicated to a workshop facilitated by Hengrup, an alliance of psychologists, who led the participants through a few unpredictable exercises to encourage group learning in navigating unusual situations as a team. The afternoon brought a session on fair recruitment practices with anonymised CVs and shortlists by Emma Wilson from the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, and consultant Antony Feeny presented the findings from a recent Orchestra benchmarking exercise conducted together with five major European opera companies.
The last day saw the burning topic of Generation Z’s expectations and requirements at work. Miquel Martorell and Marco Alaya from Teatro Real, two millennials, delivered theoretical context and practical advice on how to embrace this growing part of the workforce by highlighting its versatile potential all the while insisting that an effective mentorship and a rewarding working culture are key to retain talented colleagues.
Exploring the backstage area of the theatre concluded the forum. In the evenings, delegates could enjoy two receptions to taste local products, a performance of Roméo et Julliette in a beloved production by Eric Ruf from Opéra Comique and explore, together with our hosts, the sophisticated city of Palma.
Susanna Werger
former Membership & Services Manager
