“Wake up you old fart, it’s our turn”
--Millennials and Gen Z
Millennials and Gen Z flexed their electoral muscle in the recent midterm election, showing up in record numbers, determined to shape the future around their national priorities. Back in the workplace, these whippersnappers are starting to shape the future of work. They’ve hit a critical tipping point this year. Now over 50% of the workplace, the oldest Millennial is a crotchety 45 years old. They are firmly in the middle management/senior management category, making decisions on the future of work.
What does the future of work look like?
The research is remarkably consistent, and it has little to do with coddling, as many would think. Here’s what Millennials and Gen Z are asking for:
Stability. Fair pay and security matter. Cost of living has been their top concern for five years running, and more than half have delayed major life decisions because of it.
Lattice not Ladder. Only about one in four wants to “climb the corporate ladder”. They’d rather build a career that grows in every direction than race up a single rung at a time.
Growth. Development/Training is a top-three reason they choose an employer, yet the share who say they’re getting chances to learn and grow has dropped from 48% to 37% in five years.
Community. Gen Z is the loneliest generation at work. Hybrid work has removed their ability to connect with colleagues on a personal level.
A manager who pays attention. Clear expectations and the sense that someone notices them as a person. Both are in steep decline in the last 5-years.
AI-ready. They’re already using it. Now they’re waiting for us to catch up with providing training and clear guidance.
Not complicated. As a GenXer would say,
Just Do It
—Warren