Creating a positive, productive workplace culture
It’s often thought that today’s youth are disillusioned, distant and disconnected, all thanks to social media. That’s a myth. In fact, 72% of Gen Z workers say they want to communicate with managers in person while 82% of managers think they prefer Instant Message! (1)
What’s really at play is that today’s youth feel isolated and struggle with mental health. 73% feel lonely some or all of the time and 75% of Gen Z have left a job for mental health reasons, compared with 34% of other generations. (1) Those are incredibly high numbers and for employers the implications are clear: employee engagement, productivity and retention will all be negatively impacted.
The good news is when you take a first principles approach, the root cause of both loneliness and mental health is the same - self worth. When we don’t feel good about ourselves, doubt our value and don’t believe we have much to offer we retreat into ourselves. And the more we retreat into ourselves the more our mental health takes a hit. It’s a vicious cycle.
So what can youth employers do about it?
Imagine a workplace intentional about offering onboarding or training that guides youth to see their own unique potential and the potential in connecting with others.
Imagine if your youth employees were clear on who they are and the value they bring. They would be more motivated and productive at work.
Imagine if they understood how they are both the same as and different to everyone else at work. They have their unique personal history and life experience and yet they are all human beings having a human experience. What they go through - the good, the bad and the ugly - everyone is going through. They feel bad sometimes, really bad, and so does everyone else. Imagine how feeling connected to and having empathy for others could drive engagement and collaboration, which drives both cohesion and problem-solving.
Our youth programming is designed to do just that. If you’d like to learn more about our programs and services that guide youth to see their potential and the potential in others, join our webinar on May 22 1-2pm ET. Register here. We can support youth mental health and improve employee performance at the same time.
Psychology Today 2022
Photo Credit: Unknown
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