THANOS
MENDING
THE GENERATIONAL
DIVIDE
GET READY FOR
THE FIAT-IFTA 2024
CONVENTION
DISCOVER
THE POLISH
FUNERAL MARKET
106
MAGAZINE
SUMMER 2024
The World Organization of Funeral Operatives
7 to 9 June 2024
We look forward to seeing you at Targi Kielce
The joyful Necroexpo family
announces
the upcoming event
th-anniversary
Organiser:
Honorary auspices
Patronage of the President
of the Polish Funeral
Association
Cooperation
Expo supported
and recommended by
Dear colleagues and friends,
bout 3 months left till the September
FIAT-IFTA
2024
Convention
in
Krakow,
Poland! The enthusiasm surrounding this event
is palpable! Today I am sure this positive energy
will stay with our organization much longer!
With each passing day, the number of our
partners continues to expand, underscoring the
significance of this gathering. I encourage all
members not to delay joining us, as the Regular
offer ends on August 31, 2024, or if we reach more
than 300 attendees. Don’t miss your chance to
join us in Krakow and contribute to the enriching
dialogue and global networking opportunities
that await as well as the opportunity to meet
amazing key speakers of our conference –
talented sportsmen – Jerzy Dudek and Artur
Partyka. For further details and registration,
please visit www.fiatifta2024.com . I am sure
that this will become a memorable event for
each and every one participating, and for many
different reasons. For me personally, it will
mark the end of my years in office as FIAT-IFTA
President.
Great energy followed also the second edition of
the supervised practical embalming workshop
in Barcelona scheduled for May and organized
by SORTEM in cooperation with FIAT-IFTA
and ALTIMA as part of the FIAT-IFTA’s Global
Education Program. It was a great success and
a great teamwork experience for our members
from Portugal, Finland, Italy, the United States,
China, the United Kingdom, and Spain! I hope
that the FIAT-IFTA Global Education Program
will soon expand into other areas of our funeral
knowledge as well!
Development
and
growth
in
the
funeral
industry are largely driven by the influx of new
generations entering the field. In this issue
of THANOS magazine, we delve into the topic
of generational change, seeking answers to
several key questions: What does generational
change look like in different countries? How is
the balance between traditional practices and
modern approaches evolving? And what fresh
perspectives and innovations are the next
generation bringing to the funeral business?
Wishing you an inspiring reading experience and
looking forward to meeting you all September
18-20, 2024 in Krakow, Poland at 17th FIAT-IFTA
Convention and 53rd FIAT-IFTA I.C.D. Annual
Meeting. See you in Krakow, one of the most
beautiful cities in Poland!
Marek Cichewicz
FIAT-IFTA President
Marek Cichewicz
FIAT-IFTA President
THANOS MAGAZINE
THANOS magazine, the official magazine of FIAT-IFTA
Editor-in-Chief: Katarzyna Supa, e-mail: fiatifta-magazine@thanos.org
Editorial Office: FIAT-IFTA – The World Organization of Funeral Operatives,
Apolloweg 325, 8239DC, Lelystad – NL
Design & DTP: PRZECINEK.studio
All materials are copyrighted. Reprinting and use of materials require
permission from the FIAT-IFTA Office. Editors reserve the right to shorten texts
and change the titles of submitted materials. FIAT-IFTA Office is not liable
for the content of advertisements and promotional materials.
Feel invited to create the Thanos Magazine together with us and advertise your products and services: fiatifta-magazine@thanos.org
Photo by Sándor Kerekes for OTEI
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 106 – SUMMER 2024
Necroexpo: Poland’s focal point for the whole funeral industry
Grave digging competition – a race against time,
fashion shows for funeral parlour workers and
modern coffins and urns on show! Necroexpo is
held for the 10th time; the show offers a profound
journey into the depth of the industry. Poland’s
most prominent funeral industry event provides the
possibility to learn about producers, suppliers’ offers
and meet industry experts from all corners of the
world. Free tickets are now available online.
– Over 100 exhibitors will take part in the anniversary
expo! The exhibitors’ milieu comprises both new
companies and those that join Necroexpo for the first
edition. What do they have in common? They desire
constant development, expertise in funeral trends,
quality and extensive knowledge – says Marcin Musiał,
manager of the Necroexpo fair.
Companies from many industry sectors have
already confirmed their participation in the expo.
Comprehensive offers for funeral parlours are
showcased at Necroexpo by producers of software
for funeral homes, compensation companies and
companies offering legal services, manufacturers of
cremation furnaces, companies offering devices and
accessories for dissecting rooms, manufacturers of
funeral tents, suppliers of hearses, manufacturers
of metalwork products, manufacturers of funeral
accessories, producers of coffins and urns, producers
of borders and tombstones, suppliers of flowers
and bouquets, producers of paintings and funeral
plaques, companies offering international transport
of the deceased and masters of funeral ceremonies.
Necroexpo is not limited to funeral solutions;
this expo also offers top-level content! Lectures
and presentations feature funeral masters and
occupational health and safety experts who share
the most valuable experience they have gained over
the years. On 8 June, Patrycja Owczarzak from Piękna
Ceremonia will lecture on little yet great things that
the master of ceremonies can do for the deceased’s
family. Agnieszka Nowak of Salvum BHP will share
knowledge on funeral home hygiene in the context
of disinfectants, emergency procedures and new
health and safety regulations. Aneta Dobroch will
offer an insight into combining a Catholic funeral
with an element of secularism.
– An undoubted attraction for exhibitors and industry
visitors will be a spectacular timed grave-digging
competition! On 7 June, Targi Kielce will witness four
funeral parlours’ teams from Hungary, Slovakia, Poland
and the Czech Republic live competition – invites Marcin
Musiał.
Necroexpo’s agenda includes a gala awarding
ceremony with jubilee statuettes presentations,
a banquet with live music, an evening barbecue
party, and a photographic exhibition showing how
Necroexpo has changed.
The distinguished Necroexpo partners fellowship
includes the Polish Funeral Chamber Association,
the Polish Funeral Association, Institute of the
Funeral and Cemetery Industry, the Consortium
of Funeral Exhibitors. The International Funeral
and Cemetery Fair is organized under the auspices
and recommended by the World Organization
of Funeral Operatives FIAT-IFTA. Funeral milieus
representatives have visited Necroexpo for many
years.
The 10th jubilee International Funeral and
Cemetery Industry Fair NECROEXPO will be held
from June 7 to 9, 2024 at Kielce Trade Fair. For more
information, visit www.targikielce.pl/necroexpo
4
No. 106 – SUMMER 2024 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
Development in cremation
segment
We are thrilled to share that Orthometals, an
associated member of FIAT-IFTA, is opening a new
building and has been chosen as the host company
for this year’s European Cremation Network (ECN)
meeting and conference in Zwolle, The Netherlands!
The
Orthometals
company
currently
serves
crematories in 32 countries with bases on 5
continents, adding a total of 1,300 clients in Europe.
The global funeral industry is experiencing growing
demand for specialized recycling solutions. In
this context, Orthometals provides its clients
with a completely specific process for the funeral
industry, called Crecycling. This highly specialized
recycling solution allows for the efficient recovery
of metals and materials. In this way, it contributes
to the sustainability of the crematorium industry.
The ECN for more than 20 years has served as a
valuable resource for crematorium professionals.
The Network helps improve skills and knowledge
related to cremation services. By facilitating
collaboration, information sharing and technical
visits to crematoriums and cemeteries, the
network helps promote the highest standards of
care and professionalism in the industry. Through
the network, members can share best practices,
discuss emerging trends, and seek advice and
support from their peers.
Each year, The European Cremation Network
(ECN) chooses a different location in Europe
to host the network meetings. This 2024, the
meeting and conference will take place in Zwolle
(The Netherlands) between the 5th and 7th of next
June.
ECN conference topics will focus on climate
change, carbon footprint reduction, an alternative
in cadaver delivery: humus, the role of AI/VR in the
funeral industry, the evolution of funeral culture,
leadership and creativity as well as mergers and
acquisitions in the funeral industry.
More information about the meeting of the
European Cremation Network can be found at
cremation-network.com
Let’s welcome new members of FIAT-IFTA
We are happy to welcome 17 new members of our
organization! Since February 2024, we have been
joined by 1 National Member, 2 Active Members
and 14 Associate Members. Please welcome:
National Member:
• Maldives Inc Pvt Ltd from Maldives
Active Members:
• Portal Guia Funerario Ltda. – Feira Funerária
from Brazil
• Rocamer SA from Spain
Associate Members:
• Adiaŭ – Velorios en vivo from Brazil
• Camposanto y Funeraria Los Cipreses, S.A.
from Guatemala
• Circle Corporation (Power Robotics, S.L.U)
from Spain
• Corporación Remanso from Colombia
• Funeraria Campos de Paz from Colombia
• Gomez & Gomez Repatriation from
Philippines
• Grupo Amor Eterno from Honduras
• Grupo Plenitud from Colombia
• Jasmin International Repatriation from
Slovenia
• Kavanagh Funeral Homes from Ireland
• Lonite AG from Switzerland
• MooiAfscheid from The Netherlands
• NEBESNA LTD from Bulgaria
• Servicios Exequiales Latinoamericanos S.A.S
from Colombia
If you wish to expand your network to
enhance the global exposure of your services,
apply for FIAT-IFTA Membership by sending
an e-mail at info@thanos.org .
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 106 – SUMMER 2024
MEMBERS’ NEWS
GET READY FOR THE 2024
FIAT-IFTA CONVENTION
KRAKOW, POLAND, 18-20 SEPTEMBER 2024
6
No. 106 – SUMMER 2024 | THANOS MAGAZINE
LET’S MEET
In 2024, the stunning Polish city of Krakow will host
the 17th FIAT-IFTA Convention and 53rd FIAT-IFTA
I.C.D. Annual Meeting. This significant gathering
taking place from the 18th to 20th of September
2024 will be supported by the Polish Funeral
Association, which is the longest-operating
Polish organization in the funeral industry in
Poland and national member of FIAT-IFTA as
well as the Institute of Funeral and Cemetery
Industries. The meeting in the beautiful city of
Krakow, Poland will be a fantastic opportunity for
global business networking among the funeral
industry professionals from over 40 countries:
Poland, USA, Japan, Brazil, Belgium, Canada,
UK, Denmark, Austria, China, Romania, Estonia,
Slovenia, Mauritania, Croatia, Greece, Germany,
Malta, Hungary, Spain, Tunisia, Ukraine, France,
Netherlands, Italy, Bulgaria, South Africa, Czech
Republic,
Turkey,
Israel,
Portugal,
Iceland,
Mexico, Nepal, India, Morocco and many more.
What’s on the agenda?
FIAT-IFTA 2024 Convention is going to be an
occasion to exchange insights and create
new projects during the committee meetings.
Here’s an idea of just some of the meetings
coming up in Krakow: Heritage Committee
discussing projects dedicated intangible funeral
culture and cooperation between FIAT-IFTA
and UNESCO, Global Education Committee
dedicated to develop FIAT-IFTA Global Education
Program for funeral professionals, as well as
three new committees dedicated to embalming,
sustainability and coffin standards.
Here’s a sample of just a few of the esteemed
speakers we’re expecting to hear from during
the conference sessions at the FIAT-IFTA 2024
Convention: Carl Becker, PhD., D.Psych. Kyoto
University School of Medicine, Darrell Simpson,
Principal
Owner
of
Graystone
Associates,
Stefan Schumacher, CEO of PBSGEO. They will
be introducing topics related to the future of
cemeteries, discussing how to reduce costs and
increase productivity in funeral business, as well
as the impact of funerals on the grieving, the
bereaved and society as a whole.
The FIAT-IFTA meeting will focus on enduring
business relationships and the organization's
latest developments. There is also going to be
time to enjoy and celebrate. When attending
the FIAT-IFTA 2024 Convention, you will witness
a very solemn moment – the passing over of the
FIAT-IFTA Presidential insignia from Mr. Marek
Cichewicz from Poland to Mr. William Wappner
from the United States, and the announcement
of the new FIAT-IFTA Board. There are three
evening get-together events planned: Welcome
cocktail reception sponsored by Facultative,
Gala Dinner, and Farewell Party hosted by the
new FIAT-IFTA President sponsored by Dignity
Memorial and NFDA. During the technical
visit and sightseeing of Krakow sponsored by
Grupo ASV convention attendees will discover
the history and monuments of Krakow – a
UNESCO-listed former royal capital city, as well
as experience distinct flavors of Polish cuisine.
Check out the FIAT-IFTA
2024 Convention agenda at
fiatifta2024.com/agenda
Special guests
Special guests at the conference taking place
during FIAT-IFTA 2024 Convention at the invitation
of Platinum Partner KLEPSYDRA Group, will be
two outstanding Polish sportsmen: soccer legend
Jerzy Dudek and prominent athlete Artur Partyka.
They will talk about motivation and passion,
READ MORE
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 106 – SUMMER 2024
LET’S MEET
stress management techniques, professional
burnout and the lasting foundations of a good
life. What can funeral directors and morticians
learn from sportsmen to achieve success in their
daily work, pick themselves up after failures
and simply lead a happy life? Get inspired by
sportsmanship, learn the secrets of champions!
Jerzy Dudek is a soccer legend. In the position
of goalkeeper he played for the Polish national
team and the biggest football clubs in the
world – FC Liverpool and Real Madrid. He won
the Champions League with his team, and
became the hero of the 2005 Champions League
final in Istanbul. His intervention after Andriy
Shevchenko's shot was considered one of the
most effective in the history of soccer.
Artur Partyka is one of the world's most
outstanding athletes, an Olympian, champion
and Polish record holder in the high jump.
Two-time Olympic medalist (bronze in 1992 in
Barcelona, silver in 1996 in Atlanta), three-time
medalist at the world championships in the open
stadium. The most successful athlete of the
1990s – in 1992-1998 he stood on the podium of
all international championship events in which
he participated. Fifteen-time Polish champion.
In the peak season of his career, on August 18,
1996 in Eberstadt, he set the Polish record in
high jump, which is still valid today, soaring 2.38
meters.
Modern venue
The FIAT-IFTA 2024 Convention will take place
at the modern venue of CKF_13 Fabryczna
Conference Center! The elegant and modern
spaces of CKF_13 are part of the Fabryczna City
complex, one of the most prestigious locations
in Krakow in recent years. This complex is like a
city within a city! It's situated within the restored
buildings of the 1930s-era Vodka Distillery, later
known as Destylernia Polmos. This place holds a
history that's worth discovering!
Within the complex, you'll find the modern
four-star Mercure Fabryczna City Hotel (the
main
recommended
hotel
for
convention
participants), as well as a residential area with
all necessary infrastructure. There's also a
gastronomic passage with top culinary concepts
(restaurants featuring regional, Italian, Asian,
and vegetarian cuisine, a city brewery, a cocktail
bar, and a café). Additionally, there's a modern
multimedia Vodka Factory Museum (you can
visit it, but pre-registration and additional
payment is required). You can also relax in the
gym, pool and wellness center. Fabryczna City
complex is well connected to the main railway
station, Kraków-Balice International Airport,
and the Krakow Old Town.
After you register, don’t forget
to download the FIAT-IFTA
Krakow 2024 app
and complete your profile
in it! Start networking before
the meeting in Krakow begins!
8
No. 106 – SUMMER 2024 | THANOS MAGAZINE
Registration deadline is August 31, 2024
All details concerning the FIAT-IFTA 2024 Convention
can be found at www.fiatifta2024.com
REGISTRATION
Discover the amazing partners of the FIAT-IFTA 2024 Convention, read more about them
on www.fiatifta2024.com in "Sponsors and partners" tab.
LET’S MEET
Start networking now!
Are you an attendee of the FIAT-IFTA 2024
Convention? Don't wait to download the official
FIAT-IFTA Krakow 2024 app and complete your
profile. Be at the center of events, start promoting
yourself and networking even before we meet in
Krakow! In the app you will find your convention
ticket and many useful tools helping to promote
yourself and your company, as well the tools
which allow you to fully enjoy your presence at
the FIAT-IFTA 2024 Convention in Krakow like
meeting planner, business cards, chat (works
like the well-known Messenger or Whatsapp),
wall (works like Facebook), agenda, downloads,
venue maps. Check it out for yourself!
The app can be downloaded free of charge from
Google Play and App Store. It is available in Polish
and English. Login to the app will be provided
when registration is complete.
Registration deadline
Please remember that the application deadline
is August 31, 2024, or if we reach more than 300
attendees. Registration is possible on the official
website of the event www.fiatifta2024.com .
Please choose your tickets carefully, there are 5
variants to choose from (details are given in the
ticket description). Additional tourist program
is included in one of the variants! Payment for
registration can be made by direct bank transfer
or by credit card.
Remember to book your hotel
Krakow is a city vibrant with numerous events and
frequented by tourists, so it's worth taking care of
your accommodation as soon as possible! If you
don't book your hotel early we can't guarantee
accommodation close to the Convention! There
are two hotels recommended: Hotel Mercure
Krakow Fabryczna City and Hotel ibis Styles
Krakow Center. Each of them has prepared
a special limited-time offer for convention
attendees. Hotel Mercure Krakow Fabryczna City
offers special rates valid until August 16, 2024,
number of rooms is limited and Hotel ibis Styles
Krakow Center guarantees a 10% discount, when
the special discount code is used during the
booking process. All details are available on the
website: fiatifta2024.com/hotels-en .
We are looking forward to seeing you in the
magical city of Krakow soon!
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 106 – SUMMER 2024
PARTNERSHIP OF THE CITY OF KRAKOW
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SILVER PARTNER
PARTNER
INDUSTRY PARTNER
FAREWELL PARTY PARTNER
CONFERENCE PARTNER
TECHNICAL VISIT
& TOURIST PROGRAM PARTNER
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LET’S MEET
Kraków.pl
Last update: 18th May 2024
DISCOVER THE POLISH
FUNERAL MARKET
BEFORE THE 2024 FIAT-IFTA CONVENTION IN KRAKOW
BEGINS
By Katarzyna Supa, funeral innovation researcher,
editor-in-chief THANOS magazine
10
No. 106 – SUMMER 2024 | THANOS MAGAZINE
LET’S MEET
oland is a fascinating country that
serves as the geographical, cultural,
business crossroads of Eastern and
Western Europe. It is known for its
economic stability and rapid growth,
making it one of the world’s most
business-friendly
locations.
In
the
funeral market, Poland combines deep-
rooted traditions with a readiness
to embrace innovation. In recent
years, the Polish funeral industry has
been undergoing a transformation,
highlighting the need for modernizing
existing funeral laws. A generational
shift within funeral companies is also
becoming apparent. While families
seek
increasingly
high
standards
of service, they are mindful of the
financial
implications
and
closely
monitor funeral expenses.
Demographic shifts and challenges
Poland’s population has undergone a steady
decline over the past decade, characterized by
a decrease of 729,000 people compared to 2013
and 141,000 people since 2021, resulting in a
current population of 37.6 million at the end of
2023. This persistent downward trend since 2012
is primarily driven by factors such as negative
natural increase (-3,5 per 1,000 population),
the COVID-19 pandemic, and emigration. As the
38th largest country in the world by population
and the 5th largest in the European Union,
Poland’s demographic landscape is marked by
a mortality rate that has risen from 10.1‰ in
2013 to 11.9‰ in 2022.
The basic factor determining the demand for
funeral services is the number of deaths. In the
last few decades, it has remained at a relatively
constant level both in Europe and in Poland.
Poland witnessed its highest number of deaths
since World War II in 2021, with 520,000 fatalities,
largely due to the pandemic’s toll. In 2022, the
death rate slightly decreased to around 448,000
people, and in 2023 around 409,000, although
this figure still surpasses the pre-pandemic rate.
Cardiovascular diseases and cancer remain the
leading causes of death, accounting for slightly
more than half of all deaths.
Poland’s
population
remains
relatively
homogenous in terms of nationality and religion,
with 91.9% of citizens identifying as Catholic.
However, the influence of the Catholic Church
appears to be gradually waning. Funerals in
Poland are typically carried out according
to either Catholic or secular traditions. It is
estimated that secular funerals, overseen by
a master of ceremonies (funeral celebrants)
in accordance with the personal wishes of the
deceased and their family, account for about
4-6% of all funerals. This number has been
steadily rising. Families typically aim to keep
funeral expenses within a PLN 4,000 (EUR 1,000)
funeral allowance. However, they often need
to cover additional costs such as purchasing a
cemetery plot, paying for the participation of a
priest in the ceremony, installing a headstone,
and other supplementary services like musical
or
floral
arrangements
and
post-funeral
gatherings.
Looking ahead, the country’s age structure
suggests that the funeral industry may benefit
economically for the next 25-45 years, while the
ongoing negative birth rate poses a long-term
threat to the country’s demographic stability.
Funeral industry in numbers
Currently, the funeral industry in Poland remains
largely unregulated, lacking a comprehensive
registry for businesses involved in funeral-
related services. As of December 31, 2022, the
REGON register listed 3,978 enterprises under
the PKD code 96.03.Z, which includes funerals
and related activities. However, given the self-
reporting nature of the REGON register, the
actual number of companies providing funeral
services is likely lower, estimated to be around
2,500 funeral homes. The market is primarily
composed of small, family-run businesses
employing a limited workforce.
According to the Institute of the Funeral and
Cemetery
Industry,
Poland
currently
has
approximately 80 crematoria, with several
more under construction. The rapid expansion
of crematoria began in 2010 after regulations
were relaxed to facilitate their development.
By 2016, there were 68 crematoria in Poland.
Cremation now represents around 40% of all
burials nationwide, though this percentage
varies across different regions and urban
areas. In larger cities, the cremation rate
can reach up to 60%. Data on cremation are
estimates, there are no official records. Only a
few crematoria keep their cremation registers
also with full identification of the cremated
bodies.
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 106 – SUMMER 2024
11
LET’S MEET
In Poland, there’s also no central register
of cemeteries and entities managing them.
According to a 2016 report by the Supreme Audit
Office, the country is home to approximately
15,500 cemetery facilities. There are two
primary types of cemeteries in Poland:
1. Municipal
Cemeteries:
Established
and
managed by communes, these cemeteries are a
mandatory task of local government. Decisions
about the establishment and expansion of
municipal cemeteries are made by Commune or
City Councils, while mayors and city presidents
are responsible for their maintenance and
management.
2. Religious Cemeteries: Founded and operated by
Churches and religious associations, religious
cemeteries are owned by religious parishes. The
parish priest acts as the administrator and may
appoint others to manage the cemetery. In areas
with only a Roman Catholic parish cemetery, the
cemetery manager must accommodate burials
for individuals of other faiths or non-believers
who lived in the parish.
The most famous cemeteries in Poland are
Warsaw’s Old Powazki Cemetery and the
Rakowicki Cemetery in Cracow. People of
culture, such as artists are buried here. The
largest Cemetery in Poland and the third largest
in Europe is the Central Cemetery in Szczecin.
It is estimated that there are about 1,000
manufacturers of funeral and cemetery
accessories in Poland.
Growth and modernization in Poland’s
funeral market
In 2019, the Polish funeral services market was
valued at approximately PLN 4 billion, showing
consistent growth in previous years. By 2021,
the market had expanded further, reaching an
estimated value of around PLN 5 billion.
Since 2009, a public-private partnership formula
was introduced in Polish law, under which
Looking ahead, the Poland’s
age structure suggests that
the funeral industry may
benefit economically for the
next 25-45 years.
From the year 2023
2,500
funeral companies
strong local roots
409,000
deaths
PLN 5 billion
80 crematoriums
40% of cremations
1 group
of funeral companies
consolidating the market
12
No. 106 – SUMMER 2024 | THANOS MAGAZINE
LET’S MEET
private entrepreneurs can build cemeteries with
ceremonial facilities (chapel, cold store, office and
administration facilities) on land made available
by the commune authorities and use them for
several decades. In Poland, two significant public-
private partnership investments are underway in
the funeral industry. The first project, located in
Kraków, involves the construction of a cemetery
on a 9-hectare plot, which will include 9,000
burial plots, a building with a crematorium (1,500
square meters), and parking facilities, at a cost
of EUR 6.5 million. Funeral Center Sp. z o.o. will
lease the cemetery for 30 years, with the lease
extending until 2041. The second project is in
Gdańsk and consists of constructing columbaria
at eight locations within municipal cemeteries.
These new facilities will provide a total of 2,422
niches and involve an investment of over EUR
2 million.
The year 2023 was significant for the Polish
funeral industry. In that year, the KLEPDYDRA
Group, the only funeral business listed on the
Polish stock exchange, started operating on the
Polish market. This significantly affected the
perception of the funeral business in Poland.
The Klepsydra Group provides funeral and
cremation services in Poland in more than
one location, as well as providing international
transport services for the deceased. In 2022, the
Group’s revenue was close to PLN 29.6 million,
operating profit was PLN 6.6 million and net
profit was PLN 5.1 million.
Learn more about the Polish funeral market
during the FIAT-IFTA 2024 Convention in Krakow!
More information: www.fiatifta2024.com
In 2023 the KLEPDYDRA Group,
the only funeral business listed
on the Polish stock exchange,
started operating on the Polish
market.
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LET’S MEET
MENDING THE
GENERATIONAL DIVIDE
Abbreviation of the article from NFDA’s Memorial Business Journal based on
Antonio Green’s and Allyse Worland’s session at NFDA’s convention, USA
he room was filled with a mix of baby
boomers,
gen-Xers,
x-millennials,
social
millennials.
What
Antonio
Green and Allyse Worland attempted
to do in their session, “Mending the
Generational Divide,” during the recent
NFDA International Convention & Expo
in Las Vegas, is work on setting the goal
of gaining a better understanding of
how these groups can best and better
communicate with one another, rather
than simply complaining about each
other.
The back and forth between the generations
sometimes sounds like this:
“You think you know everything, don’t you?”
“Keep on working. You need more experience
before you can offer input here.”
“Why can’t we?”
“Just because it’s been done the same way doesn’t
mean we have to keep doing it that way.”
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© freepik
Green,
a
fourth-generation
funeral
director
at James H Cole Home for Funerals in Detroit,
posed a question to the attendees and asked
them to use their phones to answer the following
question with one word. He asked, “What are the
two most significant issues when dealing with
the older generation or dealing with the younger
generation?”
The responses included “complacency,” “balance,”
“change,” “baton” “willing” “technology”. “What this
is telling us is we all have issues, some are going
to be the same across any business, [or] industry,”
Green said.
How do we overcome what are perceived as
obstacles? “You may perceive them as something
that is wrong or needs to be corrected, but we’re
going to show you how you can use these as
strengths and opportunities in your business,”
Green said.
The groups must overcome that perceived gap, or
the shortcomings that people may have and use
them to their advantage. There are three steps in
the process:
• Identify what the communication issues are
so that we can overcome them between the
different generations.
• Develop a better understanding of why it is
certain generations act the way they do.
• Explore the uniqueness of the millennial
generation in particular.
[…] Worland also mentioned some things that
are relevant to older colleagues as well. The first
item she mentioned was quiet quitting, which is
doing the bare minimum at your job. She noted
that a Gallup study conducted in 2023 found that
50% of workers in the United States are actually
experiencing quiet quitting. “You’re just showing
up for a paycheque,” she said. […]
Another issue with the younger generation is what
Worland called, act your wage. “If workers are
paid below average, they will do the below average
of work,” she said. One example she offered was of
a woman who declined a Zoom call for 6:30 p.m.,
stating that it was outside of her working hours,
which are 9 to 5.
Malicious compliance is following directives of
a superior but knowing that following the order
there will be an unintended consequence. An
example Worland offered that happens in these
circumstances is a manager or a superior tell an
employee “Your clock in time is,” or “your clock out
time is this.” When 5 o’clock rolls around and the
employee is not finished, the employee will say
to the supervisor that it’s up to them to finish the
job. “Now your manager is the one that has to stay
over, and they’re usually not too happy,” she said.
“But [the employee] is following exactly what the
manager said.”
Another example is rage applying – filling out
several applications for different jobs in a very
short amount of time. “Maybe you have a bad day
at work, you’re just fed up and you’ve had enough,”
Worland said. “Unfortunately this is a route that
people take and often this is their way out of the
funeral industry. When people are fed up, they
start doing this rage applying at that point they
don’t care where they go or to what profession,
they’re just burned out.”
This is all part of this phenomenon of checking
out and not being engaged in work. […] The term
“burn out” is nothing new to funeral service, or
many other professions as well. “I’m burned out
about hearing about burn out,” Worland said. “I’m
sick and tired of talking about COVID as well, but all
of us experienced that. Even COVID burnout was a
term.”
Compassion fatigue is another familiar term.
“This is the physical, emotional and psychological
impact of helping others through stress and
trauma,” Worland said. “All of us in here, we
are professionals. We have such an amazing
profession that we are part of, and it’s not so much
head work, it’s a lot of heart work that we do. That’s
something that I was taught, and it really made me
think about that.”
Getting into the issues of the older generation such
as cognitive decline, which is a slow, degenerative
memory loss or confusion resulting in the inability
to successfully perform routine tasks. “It is very
By 2025, it’s predicted
millennials will represent
75% of the workforce. The
millennials are here, and
Gen. Z is up and coming, so
we have to be willing to work
with them and find out what
motivates them.
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 106 – SUMMER 2024
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real that it’s happening in our funeral homes,” she
said.
Added Green, “it’s something that we do have
to address in our businesses, but treat it with
kid gloves, especially when you’re dealing with
someone who knows something’s wrong, but they
don’t want to address it. They’re scared too, so you
have to be willing to take them by the hand and
help them get the help that they need.”
Grave retirement is literally working until you
die when someone pre-determines that they will
not or cannot retire. Death is the succession plan.
“Be careful as you’re telling that to the younger
generation because they may view it as a lack of an
opportunity to move up and run the business one
day,” Green said.
Worland also described the concept of being retired
in place. For example, a director that has put in
years of dedicated service to the firm and they have
isolated themselves in their office. “They are basically
just biding their time because they’re retiring in
about a year or two,” she said. “These are usually
the people in their early sixties or maybe in their
late fifties, and they don’t really want to do anything
except for maybe meet the occasional family. They
might leave for lunch and not come back. “They don’t
feel as though much of their time is valued anymore
by being here, they’re just waiting until they can retire
for one reason or another,” she said.
Worland made the point that the relationships
between generations do not need to be adversarial.
“I don’t see a different generation when I’m looking
at someone,” Worland said. “I see a colleague. I was
always taught to never see competition – always see
a colleague. That was always my number one thing in
my in my professional life.” […]
Worland posed a question to attendees, are you
getting to know your staff? […] Are we raising our
generations? Are we raising them like they were
our own? Are you walking with them? Are you
doing that with them, or are you just expecting
them to be a baby undertaker and then get up and
walk one day?
I don’t see a different
generation when I’m looking
at someone. I see a colleague.
I was always taught to never
see competition – always see
a colleague.
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Comparing the strengths of the
generations
The younger generation, they have to realize how
much value the older generations offer. “The
experience that they have is unmatched, and
the knowledge base is decades and decades of
information,” he said. “You have to be willing to pull
that out of them. Take the initiative and ask them
to mentor you. Ask them for advice and do not let
those strengths and experience go to waste.”
How many people actually go to someone that is
from an older generation and ask what can you
teach me? “My mentor right now is actually a baby
boomer,” Worland said. “My last three mentors have
been baby boomers and I just wanted to absorb
everything they could give me. […] The old the older
generation has so much to give us,” Worland added.
“You are there, you’re going to be the gatekeepers,
you will open the gate for us. But we as the younger
generation have to take the initiative to step into the
gate and say, will you let me in?”
As for the millennials, what they bring to the table
is being very adaptable to a changing situation,
especially technology and using technology in your
business. “You may not want to get on social media,
you may not want to have a robust, updated website,
but I guarantee you’ve got people at the firm that are
young enough that can do that for you and take it off
your plate,” Green said.
Pointing to weaknesses within the generations,
Green said that the older generation sometimes
overlooks more progressive ways. “Sometimes you
say if it’s not broke don’t fix it, but you have to learn
to be a little progressive and take on those new ways
of doing things,” he said. Sometimes the younger
generation will overlook the contributions of the older
generation. “You have to pull that knowledge and not
let it go away,” he said. Also, sometimes the younger
generation might be too reliant on technology.
Sometimes the older way might be the best way.
By 2025, it’s predicted millennials will represent 75% of
the workforce. “The millennials are here, and Gen. Z is
up and coming, so we have to be willing to work with
them and find out what motivates them,” Green said.
Green explained that the millennials can
be broken down into two subsegments – X
millennials and social millennials. He said X
millennials still have that old school ways of doing
things, and as the name suggests they’re going to
have a lot of the Gen. X qualities. They grew up in
the early days of the internet. Green says he fits in
this category. “I still remember going to the library
and using the Dewey Decimal system to check out
books,” he said. “Try and get someone born 2000
or in the late 90s and trying to get them to even
spell Dewey decimal.”
X millennials always had to adapt to technologies.
Things changed quickly. When Green started high
school, he recalls there only being a few computers in
the library, but by the time he graduated, there were
more computers than probably books in the library.
“Use those X millennials to bridge the gap between
the social millennials and those gen Zers in your
business because they will better relate to them,”
Green suggested.
Social millennials are the latter part of the millennial
generation. They were always connected to the
internet. Social millennials weren’t told to get off
the phone. They were on their computer or text
messaging. “They have always been connected to
their peers through technology,” Green said. “If you’re
working with a social millennial, they may not want to
have a phone conversation, they would rather get a
text. They probably don’t want to e-mail, they would
rather just use a text option. So you have to be wary
of who you’re working with, who’s on your staff,
and how to best communicate with them […].
How do the generations work together?
First, Green said, don’t overlook or take each other
for granted, or underestimate what each other
The challenge is to be open
to new ideas. There are many
workplace environments
where people shut down new
ideas because the ideas were
not theirs to begin with.
Don’t shut someone out, and
be willing to understand.
You have to be wary of who
you’re working with, who’s on
your staff, and how to best
communicate with them.
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 106 – SUMMER 2024
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MAIN TOPIC
brings to the table. “We have to understand each
other’s generational language,” he said. “I know
baby boomers came from that hard grit, that hard
work mentality, and when they see somebody sitting
over there on their phone, they’re just looking, oh,
they’re not doing any work. Well, they might be doing
research on something. So you just have to realize
that just because they’re not working their fingers to
the bone, doesn’t mean they’re not being productive.
“Also, if you’re a Gen Xer or if you’re a baby
boomer, you take pride in that, that you worked
hard, you built the business and you wear that
badge of honour,” Green continued. “The younger
generations that are coming up now, that’s not
what motivates them. You have to learn how
to work with them and what motivates them, or
understanding their language.” The key is teaching
the younger generation their experience, and
growing with innovation by using the younger
generation.
The challenge is to be open to new ideas. There
are many workplace environments where people
shut down new ideas because the ideas were not
theirs to begin with. “Don’t shut someone out, and
be willing to understand,” Green said.
“Sometimes change will take longer than maybe
you wanted to,” he added. “I know my millennials,
we want instant gratification, we want to change
now. We have to understand that sometimes good
change happens over time and we have to learn
how to take something to the other generation.”
The wrong way would be to burst in the office and
proclaim you have this new idea. But if you take
a measured approach and come with something
formalized, schedule a meeting to sit down and
formally present it, you’ll be able to obtain the
results you’re after.
Why does all of this matter?
This comes down to a peaceful transition of power.
“The younger and the older generation need to
nurture each other to create a generation that
We want instant gratification;
we want change now. We have
to understand that sometimes
good change happens over
time, and we have to learn
how to take something to the
other generation.
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No. 106 – SUMMER 2024 | THANOS MAGAZINE
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© freepik
has trust and forgiveness of each other because
you don’t want to work with someone long term if
you they don’t trust you,” Worland said. “You need
to create that atmosphere of safety within your
organizations, within your funeral homes.”
“Be a good parent to that apprentice, that student,
that younger funeral director. Be that student for
them and they will sacrifice and make your vision
come to life for your firm,” she added. “My mentors
are checking up on me constantly and I’m checking
in with them and I will do anything to make their
vision for the profession come to life. Because
they’re training me to be better than them, and
they’re going to be a tough act to follow.”
Worland suggested becoming a student of
personalities. “I know that soft skills are not
something that we want to talk about, but be
that person who values human relationships,
because that’s really what this is going to be about,
especially with our families,” she said. “Yes, we’re
going to be putting our families first, but you need
to back your people as well.”
“As leaders, you need to be willing to understand that
you have to make changes that are uncomfortable,”
Green said. “As a leader, you need to be willing to do
something you have been unwilling to do.”
What Green and Worland talked about essentially
boiled down to two choices. “You can do nothing
and go about your daily business and go back home
and say that was nice,” Green said. “Or you can take
action and begin to have these conversations with
your staff, learning their individual uniqueness and
finding ways how you can incorporate them into
the business.
“Things are going to change, whether you like it or
not,” Green said. “People are going to change, but
you have the power to decide how you will adapt
to that change and what will you do when you face
change that is in your power.”
The key is passing your
experience on to the younger
generation and helping to
accelerate their growth with
innovation.
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The decision
to return to nature
MAIN TOPIC
n the funeral sector, where tradition
and innovation are often seen to be
competing forces, generational change
can be significant. Younger generations
bring fresh perspectives to the table,
evolving practices to meet the needs
and expectations of a clientele vastly
different from those familiar to previous
generations.
Established in Corfu Island, Greece, by Constantine
Grammenos,
Grammenos
International
has
long been synonymous with dignified and
compassionate funeral services. For decades, the
company has served as a pillar of support for
grieving local families, upholding age-old customs
and religious practices with reverence and respect.
However, the dawn of the 21st century brought
with it a wave of change, prompting the need for
modernisation within the funeral industry as a
whole.
A New Generation
Recognising the importance of adapting to the
evolving needs of families whilst still preserving
the essence of tradition, I assumed the mantle
of leadership in 2010, following in my father’s
footsteps. Since then Grammenos International
has expanded from Corfu Island to Athens and
has developed into one of the leading providers
of international repatriation services to and from
Greece.
Challenging Traditions
The transition from one generation to the next
in a family business is always challenging. Family
businesses are built on reputation, tradition and
established connections with the local community.
As I took the helm, I faced the daunting task of
modernising operations and bridging a gap in an
industry where values and traditions are crucial.
It was a delicate balancing act, requiring sensitivity
and innovation to serve both new and traditional
needs.
Expanding and Innovating
One of the notable expansions undertaken by
Grammenos International under my leadership
was
the
provision
of
repatriation
services.
Recognising the growing need to reunite families
during times of loss, the company expanded its
operations to offer international repatriation
services to and from Greece.
The need for repatriation has always been present,
but historically it was an expensive and complicated
process that added more unnecessary stress
for families. Technology and long-established
connections (thanks to previous generations) have
made this simple so that families can focus on
coming together rather than the often complicated
logistics.
Whether facilitating the return of a loved one to
their homeland or arranging for repatriation back
to Greece, Grammenos International approaches
each case with compassion and professionalism.
Through strategic partnerships and a network of
global affiliates, the company ensures seamless
coordination and logistical support, easing the
burden on grieving families during challenging
times.
As we look towards the future, it’s still
important to develop lessons learned from
the past. Tradition is something that builds
business and establishes trust. It must not be
forgotten, even during periods of growth and
innovation.
GENERATIONAL
CHANGE IS DELICATE
BALANCING ACT
By Loukas Grammenos, CEO Grammenos International
Repatriation Services, Greece
20
No. 106 – SUMMER 2024 | THANOS MAGAZINE
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