Episode: 671

Episode Title: L and D for Gen Z

One of the biggest things Gen Z wants at work is meaningful learning and development. More on that, next on The Perna Syndicate.

Ep 671 show:

Welcome to a new week on The Perna Syndicate! I’m your host, Mark Perna. Gen Z, born approximately between 1997 and 2012, are beginning to make an impact in the workforce. And in many ways, they’re a benchmark generation. What they’re asking for at work is often what other generations are thinking, but just not saying out loud. 

This week I want to look at 5 areas where Gen Z (and every other working generation) want to see changes for the better at work.

The first is opportunities for more robust learning and development, or L&D. Gen Z is already known as a generation highly committed to advancing their skills and careers. According to LinkedIn, 76% of Gen Z workers see learning as the key to their advancement. As a generation, they log 50% more hours watching online courses than learners of any other age. 

These younger workers’ desire to learn, grow, and upskill is likely intensified by the challenging economic conditions of the moment. There’s nothing like an economic downturn to sharpen your focus on becoming more marketable. 

The best L&D cultures are those where the content to be mastered is not mandated from the top down. Training that is experienced as a benefit, instead of as a chore, is where employees can self-direct what they want to learn. 

A buffet of valuable training opportunities can inspire workers of all ages to skill up—and stay put.

On the next episode of The Perna Syndicate, we’ll look at the mental health support that younger employees want at work. Take care and we’ll see you then!