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Why Gen Z Deserves a Seat at the Table
Generation Z are no stranger to stereotypes, branded the “snowflake generation,” they’re often dismissed as overly sensitive and lacking resilience. But let’s pause the sweeping generalisations and consider this… Gen Z aren’t lazy and unskilled, nor are they trying to burn the corporate world to the ground. They’re simply showing up with a different lens, shaped by global crises, rapid technological change, and a deeply digital-rooted upbringing. And it is time businesses and leaders wake up and use this unique perspective from the youngest working generation to transform the future of their business.
CEO of JPMorgan Jamie Dimon said in a recent interview, “You can’t learn working from your basement,” as he mandated a five-day return to the office. Gen Z never said they wanted to learn from their basements. That narrative was handed to them. In fact, many young workers are desperate to be in the room, grow, learn, and contribute. But it’s hard to feel welcome when you have been squeezed into a box that restricts you from growing. One article even labelled the generation as “rat people”, a wildly unhelpful term describing educated, jobless youth supposedly giving up. But this isn’t laziness. It’s burnout. It’s rejection. It’s trying to enter a job market that feels rigged against them.
If companies don’t start making space for young talent now, we risk losing an entire generation of future leaders before they’ve even had the chance to start. And let's be clear: They’re not looking for a corporate revolution, just a place that listens to their ideas and perspectives and values their skill set. As Jonah Stillman of GenGuru puts it, “The most productive, multi-generational workforce is one that prioritises evolution instead of revolution.”
Gen Z doesn’t want to break the system. They want to build with you.
They’re asking for a seat at the table and to be heard. But too often, their voices are ignored. Nearly half of Gen Z workers say they want better communication and teamwork training. They’re not just craving feedback, they’re craving a connection. But, when you flip the perspective, you see a generation that brings an entirely new skill set and is eager to have the opportunity to learn, so use this!
If we want more productive teams, fresh ideas, and a skilled workforce, we need to stop pushing young workers into outdated boxes, ask them what they think, and allow them to grow as employees. Gen Z isn’t going anywhere, and with social media as their megaphone, their influence is only growing.
So here’s the challenge for today’s leaders: stop assuming and start listening. The future of work isn’t a battleground between generations; it’s an explosive collaboration waiting to happen.
PepTalk brings you the experts to help you tap into Gen Z's unlocked potential, stay ahead of the curve, outpace your competitors, and build a future-ready workforce.
Discover how to create more human-centric marketing strategies and drive positive change with the founder of THE PEOPLE.
kian.bakhtiari@getapeptalk.com
Explore effective strategies for nurturing early-career talent with this leadership trainer and talent development expert.
victor.sosanya@getapeptalk.com
Elevate your marketing strategies with insights on next-gen consumers from this entrepreneur and author.
erifili.gounari@getapeptalk.com
Navigate the evolving workplace and generational dynamics with this leading employment expert and author.
dr.paul.redmond@getapeptalk.com
Equip early-career professionals with strategies for overcoming challenges and building meaningful workplace connections.
peter.wood@getapeptalk.com
Learn how to engage and connect with next-gen talent with the founder and CMO of CLIQ.
nicola.gunby@getapeptalk.com
Understand the complexities of Gen Z engagement with the Head of Next Gen at UTA Marketing.
ziad.ahmed@getapeptalk.com
Revitalise your approach to generational diversity with this transformational coach and career strategist.
christine.hassler@getapeptalk.com
Our expert speakers don’t just talk about Gen Z, they talk with them. Book a speaker today and unlock the potential of the next generation. Because the future isn’t waiting, it’s already here.
Contact us at hello@getapeptalk.com to book a speaker today.
