Don't let adversity hold you back...

I think the best careers are those you must work hard at, and sometimes they’re a struggle. Two articles in the news this week highlight this:

1.    In the US workforce, Gen Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) currently represents about 27% of the workforce, with projections suggesting this will rise to 31% by 2035. This makes them the largest generation in the workforce. 

o   Unlike older generations, Gen Z prioritizes mission-driven roles, flexibility, recognition, learning opportunities, purpose-driven work, and career growth; they prefer meaningful work over stability.  

§  Organizations that fail to adapt to Gen Z’s workplace expectations may find them disengaged, not easily motivated, or leaving to find work with employers who share their values and interests, and better accommodate their needs.

2.   Meta’s AI team is unraveling – attrition among researchers (many of whom are Gen Z), is now their key risk. The war for AI talent is fierce – the best people want and need: 

o   The freedom to soar

o   Clear objectives about their work and themselves

o   Cultural alignment with their company and work

 

What these tell me is that leaders must learn to adapt to the needs of this group and the group needs to learn how to better fit into the world of work. 

·      Leaders must learn to better understand and manage a multi-generational workforce.

·      Help your Gen Z employees see the big picture so they can discover where and how to contribute.

·      Teach your leaders how to allow more flexibility while guiding their Gen Z employees into areas where they can (and why you need them to) make a difference.

·      Design your company’s objectives to allow them to achieve results and recognition in shorter timeframes.

·      Understand that they may leave you quicker than previous generations of workers – if they choose to go, it’s more about them than you – stay in touch by providing them ways to remain within your network.

Life and work can be a struggle: help your employees to see how challenges can lead to future success, starting today.

 

Charles Spurgeon (1834 – 1892): English Particular Baptist preacher. Spurgeon remains highly influential among Christians of various denominations: to some, he is known as the "Prince of Preachers."