There’s no denying we’re living in an era where it’s hard to hide. Technology, online platforms, and social media have increased accessibility, visibility, and transparency. The latter placing pressure on governments, higher education institutions, corporations and workplaces, who make commitments and promises to deliver or serve, to do so. And whether commitments are made publicly or not, the level of scrutiny, particularly under the millennial eye, has increased. The result? A demand for accountability.
Millennials and Gen Z have strong views about the world. From day-to-day, to workplaces, to politics, to all matters EDI, there is unlikely a topic where these generations won’t afford a comment (or challenge). And for those who thought the pandemic placed ‘voices’ on hold, it did the opposite: fueling a desire to continue to hold those to account – especially those who made commitments.
Studies (such as the Deloitte 2021 Global Millennial Survey) have demonstrated that younger gens have – and are – putting their energy into calling people (including themselves) to account.
Racism, sexism, dishonesty, discrimination, unethical behavior – issues that are becoming increasingly non-negotiable and non-tolerable for younger gens (who are, admittedly, also fed up with the state of the world and those who hold the ‘perceived power’ doing less than could be done, to create positive change).
From a workplace perspective, knowing this matters. There are several areas that workplaces will need to understand and in turn, priorities. Not least of which will have a significant impact being able to recruit and retain millennial and Gen Z talent.
Climate change. There are deep concerns about the state of the planet and the ‘tipping point’ the world is at. Younger gens want sustainability and climate change on the agenda and to see workplaces activity doing something about it.
Societal impact. Corporate responsibility matters. This stems beyond promises made, it’s about meaningful action. Younger gens want to see business motivation not focused solely on their own agenda and profits, but the greater good.
Mental health. Improvements still need to be made on removing stigma on mental health. Younger gens were gravely disappointed at the lack of support offered by workplaces during the pandemic. Action speaks louder than words and a key concern for younger gens is that despite the talk, little is being done via meaningful action.
Inequality and racism. Studies suggest that two-thirds of younger gens are concerned about the unequal distribution of income in the word. And further, this inequality extends to racism, where an alarming percent see systemic racism as widespread across society. For workplaces, this demands more attention, including ways of reducing barriers and removing bias.
The demand for accountability isn’t going away: it will continue to grow.
Workplaces who are willing to ‘walk the talk’, and act in ways that are integral and ethical, will prosper through the attraction of quality talent and the rewards of performance and commitment.