Massive Knowledge Transfer at SNCF:
Preparation and Implementation

Client Context and Initial Challenge

SNCF, France’s major railway operator, faces a significant demographic challenge with experienced personnel retiring, often before legal retirement age. In a context of complex recruitment, the company must ensure efficient knowledge transfer between highly experienced senior managers and well-educated but inexperienced young managers.

Mission Objectives

• Prepare and accelerate critical skills transfer between generations
• Facilitate rapid practical experience acquisition for young managers
• Ensure knowledge transmission despite increased position rotation

Methodology and Implementation Approach

• Creation of mixed co-development groups combining junior and senior managers
• Organization by critical knowledge themes and domains
• Practical implementation phases for better knowledge acquisition
• Training of internal facilitators to scale the approach

Results and Measured Impact

• Accelerated inter-generational skills transfer
• Better practical knowledge acquisition by young managers
• Sustainability through trained internal facilitators

Key Learnings and Success Factors

• Effectiveness of small-group format for knowledge transmission
• Benefits of generational mixing to enrich exchanges
• Necessity of practical phases for knowledge acquisition