December 2024
Companies considering an AI Santa for their office Christmas party should exercise caution. Not only may their Santa have the incorrect amount of fingers, but he may promise gifts he cannot deliver, use conversation to steal private information, or even be rude. While AI Santa personas have the potential to spread holiday cheer, you better watch out, else you may end up with a lump of coal. (Forbes)
It is a time of reckoning for U.S. healthcare leaders, and health insurance employees are feeling unjustly vilified despite putting forth their best efforts to operate in a flawed system. Leaders in the healthcare industry can help assuage employees’ fears by emphasizing that systemic frustration does not equate to individual dedication to one’s job. (The New York Times)
Whispers of the Great Resignation 2.0 are abound as 51% of Gen Z and 47% of millennials say they will quit if not given a raise in 2025. Although this sentiment is nothing new, the shift in how people are treating employment is no less significant. Younger workers focus on the transactional nature of their job and employers might meet their needs by prioritizing value-driven goals, competitive pay, and onboarding that instills a sense of belonging. (Newsweek)
Workplace holiday parties are seeing a resurgence as the effects of the pandemic wear off, and Gen Z may be benefiting from them. As long as they are thoughtful, inclusive, and fun, these festive events can help provide the critical face-to-face time and networking opportunities that young employees need. (Business Insider)
DEI at work faced significant setbacks in 2024 following the Supreme Court’s ruling against affirmative action college admissions. This decision spurred rollbacks on corporate DEI policies and conversations on “MEI” (Merit, Equity, and Inclusion). Moving forward, organizations may face potential challenges by embedding inclusive practices into their core values. (Worklife)
The public sector is in need of younger employees. While Gen X—who comprise 42% of government workers—consider retirement, only 8% of the public sector is covered by those under 30. In 2023, states like Colorado saw up to 23% of their government positions vacant. Governments can attract Gen Z by modernizing workplace culture and putting an emphasis on meaningful community service. (Stanford Social Innovation Review)
Largely focused on financial stability and professional growth, only 25% of millennials prioritize daily enjoyment of their job, compared to 45% of boomers. Millennials are also 12% more likely than their Gen Z counterparts to prioritize salary. Leaders can invest in meaningful, collaborative initiatives to mitigate the “work is work” mentality prevalent in younger generations. (Fortune)
One company’s experiment suggests that collective paid time off may be a solution for preventing burnout around the holidays. While the onus of scheduling and managing a period of minimal staff falls on managers’ shoulders, it otherwise eliminates the burden of employees covering for their colleagues, as well as adjusts expectations regarding the output leading up to and immediately after a holiday break. (CNBC)