The Roaring Twenties and Their Approach to the Modern Workforce

The realities regarding multigenerational collaboration

Being a Next Gen in the workforce boasts a range of challenges and celebrations but conveys a clear message: the world may not be ready to experience the severity of Gen Z professionally. This generation might just be the most purpose-driven generation to enter the workforce to date. As one, I can testify that we are motivated by meaning and mission within our career fields and our calling, valuing a culture of contribution over a culture of compensation.

The importance of authenticity and a collective identity

The next generation is aware of their voice and eager to make it known and heard. They have firm standings and beliefs to pursue authenticity and justice and will not accept anything other than that in the workplace. In an ever-evolving world, they seek to cling to a truth that remains constant amidst fleeting cultural events — The Truth, The Way, The Life.

Collective identity is such a fluid controversy amidst the youth today that it begs the question: is the next generation a united one, a collaborative one? The answer is Yes! The next generation is all about supporting a goal and mission and will sacrifice and serve to aid the said mission. Giving beyond oneself and contributing to their community is a driving force that demonstrates unity like never seen before.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.Romans 12:2

Speaking up and stepping out: transparency is the trademark for trust

Although the next generation has been described as innovative and daring, we are fearful of being the fresh meat in the office. When a young working adult feels safe amongst their colleagues and secure in their work environment, their contribution and success skyrockets. They seek transparency and communication from their team members as Gen Z is passionate about activation and empowerment strategies in their workspace.

The next generation is tough and tender about the truth. Limiting the next gen’s passion to create and be original can barricade any connection or respect from growing. We will confess when we feel we are not being recognized or heard — as the next generation is all about living in the Light!

What God says about the youth in the workforce

As the digitized generation, they have access to a plethora of resources but struggle to make use of them in a monotonous and constrained workspace. God has gifted the next generation with flexibility, freedom, experience, and enthusiasm to function as a catalyst for connecting to others in a way that should boost collaboration and spirit within multigenerational teams.

God does not call the qualified. He qualifies the call — He has equipped the next gen to lead the world to victory.

Cultivating work ethic: being tough and tender about the truth

Building work ethic in the next generation requires a listening ear and willing heart to collaborate on their terms. Gifting the next gen with the opportunity to take ownership of a project or task will propel them to work harder and achieve the goal in excellence. Young adults in the workforce are seeking to take more ownership for their and their team’s success. Aligning projects with passions elevates the engagement of the next generation as it enables them to craft their work ethic of “working to live” and not “living to work.”

The struggle of loving and living out Jesus in the workplace

Being a next gen who is focused on fulfilling their purpose and living out their calling in the workforce can be daunting when proclaiming Truth in an environment that demands concrete facts. In times when you find it challenging to live out Jesus in your workspace, approach the hurdle with a spirit of humility and submission. The next gen has harnessed their age and the knowledge they bear as a product of being such an exposed generation. They know that a value is not a value if it does not hold value, and they are willing to risk it all to proclaim purpose > pay-slip.