Episode: 210

Episode Title: Gen-Z Brings Their Values to Work

Gen-Z brings their values to the job in a way that previous generations never did. Here’s what that means for the world of work, coming up next on the Syndicate.

Ep 209 show:

Hi and welcome to The Perna Syndicate! This week, we’ve taken a look at the viral phrases ‘OK Boomer’ and ‘OK Zoomer’ that express each generation’s frustration with the other. The best way to approach this frustration at work is proactively, before it becomes a problem. 

It’s no surprise that young people today have carried their personal values and beliefs into the workforce. More than any other generation before them, Gen-Z looks to their employment to lend purpose and meaning to what they do. They want to make the world a better place.

All week we’ve been talking about a study by Washington State University that gave us a look inside the Gen-Z mind. Some 83% of younger workers reported that they want to work for an organization where they can make a positive impact on the world, while 75% said they prioritized a workplace that valued a healthy work-life balance. A further 70% want to work for a company whose values align with their own on issues like cultural inclusivity and sustainability. 

Young people want to make a positive difference—and they want their employers to do the same. Simply understanding this basic reality about Gen-Z can help forestall generational disconnects in the workplace. 

When we foster mutual respect for the unique perspective of each generation, we can find a better way forward—and leave the OK Boomer, OK Zoomer exchange in the past.

Thanks for being part of the Syndicate this week as we shift the way people think about education, careers, and the multigenerational workforce. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for more insights. We’ll see you back here next week on the Syndicate.