In her first month as editor-in-chief of Hawaii Business Magazine, Jennifer Ablan kept hearing how multigenerational teams lead to stronger, more vibrant workplaces.
When I walk into my office in Downtown Honolulu, I often marvel at what’s going on inside – four generations of people working side by side, sharing ideas and challenges, collaborating on projects and even exchanging a few laughs. From the wisdom of longtime journalists and publishers to the fresh energy of newish hires, this mix isn’t just about different ages, it’s about how diverse experiences create a stronger, more vibrant workplace.
That theme of diversity creating stronger organizations came up repeatedly during the listening tour I embarked on in my first month as the new editor-in-chief of Hawaii Business.
Our magazine’s annual Best Places to Work list celebrates companies that harness the power of multigenerational teams and promote work-life balance through benefits like extended parental leave and access to mental wellness programs. These organizations set the standard for Hawai‘i’s evolving workplace culture. (P.S. Registration for our Best Places to Work 2026 is open through Oct. 17, 2025; register at bestplacestoworkhawaii.com.)
Today’s workforce can span as many as five generations: Traditionalists (born 1925–45), Baby Boomers (1946–64), Generation X (1965–80), Millennials (1981–2000) and Generation Z (2001–2020). Together, those generations provide a wide range of perspectives, skills and values under one roof – and the best workplaces harness that diversity to their advantage.
For Hawaii Business Magazine, our diversity helps us to effectively cover Hawai‘i’s most pressing business stories, including the ripple effects of global trade policies on Island businesses, how insurers and their customers are adapting to climate change, and the threat and consequences of wildfires.
We’re committed to storytelling that’s compelling, that delivers sharp insights, thoughtful analysis supported by data and practical solutions. All of that is key in today’s fast-changing business world, where thriving isn’t optional – it’s essential.
NEW WAY OF HONORING GREAT COMPANIES
The annual Best Places to Work list is compiled based on extensive confidential surveys of employees and an analysis of company benefits and practices. Employees’ responses count for 80% of the final score; a company’s benefits and practices are worth 20%. Our inaugural Excellence in Business Awards takes a different approach to identifying Hawai‘i’s top organizations.
We’ve invited nominations from local companies whose results and practices exemplify business excellence. Organizations typically distinguished in this program show measurable financial progress; high employee engagement and retention; visible community contributions; and clear, ongoing commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion.
As I step into the role of editor-in-chief following the remarkable legacy of Steve Petranik, one of my first priorities is to reimagine how we connect with our community. That means launching in-person meet-and-greets with our readers, introducing a new Hawaii Business Magazine LinkedIn newsletter, and offering audio versions of select stories on Instagram at @hawaiibusinessmagazine.
These are just the first steps in a broader effort to make our journalism more accessible, engaging and reflective of Hawai‘i’s dynamic business landscape. You can read more about my return to the Islands in the profile in the June print issue titled “For Jennifer Ablan, Coming Home Was a Full Circle Move.” The online version is at tinyurl.com/Ablanhome.
TALKING WITH VISIONARY LEADERS
As part of our expanded coverage, we will spotlight visionary CEOs and CFOs from Hawai‘i’s major financial institutions and other homegrown businesses – leaders who are not only driving economic growth but also shaping the future of our Islands.
Additionally, we will explore the dynamic gig and creator economy, where entrepreneurs across diverse industries are brimming with innovative ideas and solutions. Our commitment also includes in-depth reporting on key sectors, such as our recent comprehensive feature on the macadamia nut industry. You can read the updated story at hawaiibusiness.com/not-grown-in-hawaii.
Your voice matters. If there are stories you believe deserve more attention – on our pages or online at hawaiibusiness.com – I’d love to hear about them. My listening tour is just beginning. Email me at jennifera@hawaiibusiness.com.
