Listening, Learning, and Leading: Supporting Gen Z in the Workforce

On October 9, 2024, the Chicago Jobs Council hosted a CJC Workforce Convo focused on Bridging Expectations: Enhancing Job Satisfaction and Retention for Young Workers. The event featured insights from workforce leaders, career coaches, and—most importantly—young adults themselves. The conversation centered on how we can better understand, support, and retain Gen Z workers who bring a unique perspective and set of challenges to the workforce.

Key Insights from the Conversation

Active Listening is Key

Job coaches and employers who work with young adults need to be active listeners. Gen Z may appear distant or reluctant at first, but beneath that exterior, they are seeking mentorship and guidance. Building trust through relationships is critical, and once that trust is established, they thrive. As Latisha Brandon from the Chicago Urban League shared, their "cracked door" approach lets young workers know they are always welcome to return, even if they step away.

The Challenge and Support Balance

Coaches and employers asked the young adult workers and guest panelists, What’s the best way to challenge young adult workers without shutting them down? The answer was clear: challenge them, but do it with support. There is a delicate balance of pushing them to grow while ensuring they feel supported. Many young adults are motivated by the belief that they are being developed, not just directed.

Fear of the Unknown

Panelist Teri Ford, who works with High School Seniors, mentioned that a theme echoed by many college seniors was the fear of what comes next. They are eager to learn and grow but feel a great deal of uncertainty about their futures. This generation values mentorship more than many realize—they want guidance but in a way that allows them to explore their own paths and develop autonomy.

Representation Matters

Career coaches and workforce programs represented at the event emphasized the importance of exposing young people to diverse career paths. Seeing themselves represented in various industries encourages young workers to consider new possibilities. Coaching programs also need to build career pathways that align with their interests and talents.

Challenging What Doesn't Work

Gen Z is a generation that doesn’t simply accept the status quo. They challenge systems that don’t work for them, which has tremendous value. Programs like Chicago Urban League's "Think Like an Employer" workshop provide young adults with the opportunity to flip the script, asking them what they would pay someone for a certain job or experience. This kind of back-and-forth challenges their thinking and prepares them for real-world dynamics.

Barriers We Must Overcome

The event also shed light on systemic barriers still affecting young workers:

• Occupational Segregation: Young adults, especially those from marginalized communities, are often funneled into limited career paths based on stereotypes or outdated perceptions.

• Justice-Involved Youth: For many young people, a criminal record from their youth becomes a roadblock to meaningful employment. Career coaches and advocates must work to challenge employer biases and help break down these barriers.

• Basic Human Needs: Meeting young workers where they are means addressing their fundamental needs first. Many young adults are still in survival mode, and programs that provide resources like professional clothing or transportation can make all the difference in helping them focus on long-term goals.

What Young Workers Want

The young adults at the event shared their desires for workplace environments more aligned with their values and needs. This generation wants:

• Active Listening from Their Employers: They want bosses who are truly listening to their concerns and ideas, not just giving instructions.

• Perks and Flexibility: The ability to maintain a work-life balance is essential, and flexible schedules or additional benefits help achieve that.

• Workers’ Advocacy Classes: They are eager to learn about their rights and become advocates for themselves and others in the workplace.

Building a Better Future

As Gen Z continues to enter the workforce, it’s clear that they bring a unique perspective shaped by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and a rapidly changing economy. They are behind academically and socially compared to previous generations, but they are also resilient and determined. As we meet them where they are, it’s important to recognize that they are the future of the workforce.

Through listening, learning, and building trust, we can help young workers navigate their career paths with confidence. Together, we can shift the paradigm, break down barriers, and create a more inclusive, supportive environment for the next generation of talent.