Global marketing agency Lewis has released findings from it’s new global research on Gen Z and the future of the workplace.
Conducted in support of the global HeForShe movement, the report reveals the importance of values and diversity programs in the workplace, with gender and race being the top priority.
CEO of Lewis, Chris Lewis said: “The next generation are quickly moving into the workforce, and they want to be heard,
“It’s clear that Gen Z prioritises values above all else – companies that don’t understand or reflect that will find themselves struggling to attract and retain the best talent.”
The report found that only 19 per cent of Gen Z globally would work for a company that does not share their values.
The report also found that when evaluating an employment opportunity, company values is the second most important factor – but personal growth opportunities hold the top spot.
Gender and race were identified as the top qualities of diversity by Gen Z in the report, emphasising the need and expectation for appropriate programs and commitment within companies.
The report found:
- Company values: 67 per cent believe company values are more important than the CEO/leader (vs 61 per cent in Australia)
- DEI programs: 41 per cent would work for a company that is not gender or racially diverse but only if it had a strong diversity, equity, and inclusion program (vs 37 per cent in Australia)
- Opportunities: 46 per cent said that if two candidates had the same qualifications, they would be in favour of the candidate that results in greater diversity in the company (vs 38 per cent in Australia)
The survey also revealed the leadership expectations Gen Z hold:
- DEI leadership: Gen Z expect HR (35 per cent ) and Senior Management (29 per cent) to lead DEI efforts within companies
- In Australia, the expectation on leading DEI efforts fall on HR (30 per cent), followed by Senior Management (23 per cent)
- Key qualities: 37 per cent think ‘innovative’ is the most important quality in a CEO. Determination (35 per cent) and empathy (33 per cent) were the second and third most important qualities
- In Australia, the most important qualities in a CEO are fairness (41 per cent), followed by determination (37 per cent) and empathy (31 per cent)
- Social impact: 41 per cent believe CEOs should be judged by their commitment to solving social issues
- 41 per cent of respondents in Australia believe CEOs should be judged by their ability to innovate and be an industry leader, followed by fairness (38 per cent) and financial performance (29 per cent)
Global head of HeforShe, Edward Wageni, said: “This research shows how important DEI programs and positive social impact are to the next generation.
“It’s clear that the onus is on today’s leaders to make clear commitments about how they will progress these important topics. By ignoring societal issues, they will fail to connect with almost an entire generation.”
