dr. sarahlloyd’s Post

Generation Z is Redefining Work, Industry, and Values. Generation Z is rapidly emerging as a formidable demographic. As they enter the workforce, their preferences are already reshaping industries—from recruitment practices to marketing strategies. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z places a strong emphasis on work-life balance, meaningful work, and social responsibility. Their upbringing during times of technological and economic change has significantly influenced their outlook on careers and life. The influence of Gen Z on industries is becoming increasingly apparent. Companies that fail to align with their values—such as diversity, sustainability, and ethical practices—may face challenges in attracting and retaining this generation as both employees and consumers. Ready or not, Generation Z’s focus on meaningful work and social responsibility is driving companies to adapt or risk losing relevance.

The Future

"Millennials are a generation brought up to take pride in hard work, who now find themselves in the midst of a cost of living crisis and the third recession of their lifetimes." 🌍🙃 Read this article today. It's about millennials leaning towards the "soft life", where the priority is no longer about working yourself to the bone to be a #girlboss or “leaning in” to the corporate male world (as former Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg wrote) and pushing until you “have it all”. The goal of a softer life is more time and energy for what makes you happy. I've been noticing this shift too. Lately, talks with friends are less about career ladders and more about what genuinely fulfills us. The 'soft life' isn't about ditching work or kicking back all day. It's about finding a balance where work matters, but doesn't consume our lives. Rethinking the grind. That endless hustle has lost its charm. According to Intuit, almost three in four young people say the current economic climate makes them hesitant to set up long-term goals, while two in three young adults aren’t sure they’ll ever have enough money to retire in the first place. The high cost of living is keeping many on edge, and the COVID-19 pandemic really sparked a shift in priorities. Instead of manically saving for a future that’s not promised, millennials are investing in personal growth and mental well-being. Worth a read if you've ever felt the same: https://lnkd.in/d7g7Zctg

There ya have it folks... Don't be mad at me Gen-Zs Entire industries and businesses will rise and fall in the wake of the Generation Z. Yet few industries or organizations seem to be ready for it. Are you? A new generation has arrived Generation Z will soon surpass Millennials as the most populous generation on earth, with more than one-third of the world’s population counting themselves as Gen Zers. In the US, Gen Z constitutes more than a quarter of the population and, by 2020, will be the most diverse generation in the nation’s history. As Gen Zers are about to step onto the world stage, the impact of their entry will be swift and profound, its effects rippling through the workplace, retail consumption, technology, politics, and culture. Radically different than Millennials, this generation has an entirely unique perspective on careers and how to define success in life and in the workforce. So who is Generation Z? What are their behaviors? And what sort of impact will they have on the workplace, business, and the economy? Given its experience growing up in the aftermath of the Great Recession, you might think Gen Z has emerged as a pragmatic, risk-averse, non-entrepreneurial group motivated by job security. Instead, a more nuanced picture emerged as we explored their career aspirations, career development, working styles, core values, behavior and character, education, and stance on diversity. While salary is the most important factor in deciding on a job, Generation Z values salary less than every other generation: If given the choice of accepting a better-paying but boring job versus work that was more interesting but didn’t pay as well, Gen Z was fairly evenly split over the choice. To win the hearts of Generation Z, companies and employers will need to highlight their efforts to be good global citizens. And actions speak louder than words: Companies must demonstrate their commitment to a broader set of societal challenges.

😂 This couldn't be more accurate if it tried! Some of the younger generation when I tell them to start at 7:30 for a 10-hour shift—oh, the looks I get! "You mean 7:30 pm till 5:30 am, right?" "No, my friend, 7:30 am till 5:30 pm." "WHAT? There's a 7:30 am now?! Since when?!" 😲🙈 Apparently, the early bird no longer gets the worm... because the worm doesn't wake up until noon! 🕛🐛 #WorkLifeBalance #EarlyBirdProblems #GenerationalDifferences #WorkShift #MorningShift #WorkHumor #MillennialProblems #GenZ #NightOwl #ShiftWork #JobLife #MondayMotivation #OfficeHumor #CareerAdvice #WorkCulture

I’ve seen lots of chatter lately asking, “Where are all the workers over 50?” The discussion and commentary seems to frequently centre arounds agism, but this article offers a different perspective suggesting that Gen X just doesn’t whine enough compared to their generational counterparts. As companies prioritize nurturing millennials, Gen X’s contributions are often undervalued. Seems obvious under such circumstances they’ll pursue other opportunities in which their rich experience and transferable skills are appreciated and valued. They don’t whine, they just walk. ❌ 79% of Gen X say they’re forgotten in the workplace, despite comprising over one-third of the workforce and at least half of its managers. ❌ Gen X feel neglected at work and overshadowed by both younger and older colleagues. ❌ This sentiment is amplified by data showing they get promoted by 20% to 30% less often than millennials, despite their leadership skills. Time to rethink how we support all generations at all life stages, or lose valuable workers with much more to offer.

What’s the future of self-employment for Gen Z? According to Statista, Millennials comprise the largest group of self-employed entrepreneurs in the U.S. at 45%, with Gen X at 27%. So, what’s next for Gen Z? We’ve all heard of the gig economy—work based on short-term contracts rather than traditional long-term employment. But here’s the thing: the shift toward self-employment isn’t just about job length. It’s about redefining what it means to "make it." Millennials and now Gen Z are changing the game, viewing success as: ▪️ Working fewer than 40 hours a week ⏳ ▪️ Making enough money to sustain their lifestyle💰 🌱 Meanwhile, Americans over 35 still define “making it” as saving enough for retirement. For younger generations, money and fulfillment go hand in hand. In the next 10 years, Gen Z will take over the self-employment market, leading the charge in creating businesses that prioritize lifestyle, flexibility, and purpose. This is how the future of work will evolve—organically. ✨ #GenZ #SelfEmployment #FutureOfWork #LifestyleBusiness

[Update below] They've come up with a new term - the "soft life" Evidently this is when you want to do more of what you like and escape the rat race - thoughts? The Guardian article describes a potential trend of Millennials (ages 28-43) → rejecting "lean in" culture. → recognising that people (particularly women) can't have it all - and rather than trying to, want to embrace fewer things and do them well. → moving their careers in the direction of things they're interested in and even, gods forbid, being 'underemployed' to leave more time for the things they enjoy. As a coach who works on career transitions, I find this super interesting. Particularly the last bullet. Not that all my clients are Millennials (I personally prefer Oregon Trail generation, IYKYK) but my clients do describe their desired career change as a way to come out of the grind be more in alignment with their values do work that matters But they're not starting Etsy shops and moving back in with their parents. They're trying to be more connected and authentic, while still progressing their careers. Even if it's in a new direction. I am curious about the broader trend - does the motivation described in the article resonate? Is this idea of the "soft life" useful to describe what's going on? Even if it is being 'implemented' in different ways? Would love to hear your thoughts 👇 [UPDATE]: I learned a new thing, thank you to @Jennifer D. in the comments. The Guardian piece doesn't do a great job of explaining the background of the soft life movement, which has roots in the Nigerian (and in some articles Ghanaian) immigrant community. The idea has gained traction on social media in the last year/two, particularly amongst Black women, that life doesn't have to be a struggle. There's many versions of this, but there's a strong theme of adding 'softness' to your life - supporting your emotional self in the process and shifting your requirements to live a fuller life. From this place of 'softness' you have agency to move away from the exploitative, struggle culture towards a life where you can do hard things but also take care of yourself. Given the conversation below, this idea clearly resonates and really is the empowered act of courage several commenters have described. Additional reading: https://lnkd.in/eFq5j2mB https://lnkd.in/eziwBQ8J

A really interesting read that reconsiders age-old assumptions about work ethic and motivation. The notion of a 'work-shy' generation challenges us to look beyond surface-level analyses of pay and benefits and to explore the patterns shaping the aspirations of future workforces. While advancements in compensation and workplace perks have, in some cases, made significant progress, it's important to acknowledge the changing incentives driving individuals towards career goals. Put simply – do future generations share the same fervour for traditional markers of success, such as owning a home or car, or financing significant life events like weddings? The shifting priorities and values in younger demographics suggest a departure from conventional, linear routes. As society evolves, so too do the aspirations of future generations, and the understanding of fulfilment and achievement in the modern world must be reassessed. https://lnkd.in/e2Sq9cXp