SkyCity is gearing up to change the conversation around Gen Z with their upcoming event, “The Future of Work: From A to Gen Z.” This free four-hour conference is happening on Tuesday, 22 October 2024, at SkyCity in Auckland, New Zealand, and is all about empowering the next generation of leaders and those eager to support them.
By 2025, Gen Z – born between 1997 and 2012 – will make up a third of the global workforce. Holly Simpson, Senior Employee Support Advisor at SkyCity, and event leader says, “This shift brings new ideas about how we work, what we expect, and what matters most.”
The conference will dive into key topics from the 2024 Deloitte survey, including AI, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. These are all issues that really resonate with Gen Z’s values.
Gen Z is a generation marked by their tech-savviness and entrepreneurial spirit. They’ve grown up with technology at their fingertips and are pushing the envelope when it comes to innovation at work. They care deeply about social and environmental issues and are looking for employers who reflect their values and offer meaningful work. According to the Deloitte survey, they prioritise mental health and work-life integration, which is prompting companies to rethink how they support their employees.
Simpson acknowledges the unique hurdles Gen Z faces, such as the impact of social media and the disruptions from COVID-19. “There’s a mix of feelings about Gen Z – some empathy for finishing school during Covid and dealing with disruption in their early years,” she says.
But she also sees a lot of promise. “When we look closer, we see a group who knows what they want and isn’t afraid to speak up,” Simpson says. Their desire for transparency and authenticity is really making waves and challenging companies to step up their game.
The event aims to bridge the gap between what Gen Z wants and what workplaces currently offer. “The issue we’re seeing is that employers aren’t ready for this generation,” Simpson says. The conference will feature panel discussions, networking opportunities, and sessions on embracing new technologies and creating supportive work environments. Topics will include how businesses can better integrate AI, implement sustainable practices, and foster inclusivity.
Organised by SkyCity’s Youth Employee Resource Group ‘Elevate,’ the conference is about bringing together different generations to learn and grow. Simpson says, “We want to create a workplace where everyone can do their best work. We believe progress comes from valuing our differences.”
“The Future of Work: From A to Gen Z” is for everyone interested in the future of work and how to support this new wave of professionals. As Gen Z is set to become the majority of the workforce by 2030, events like this are crucial for breaking down stereotypes and building a more inclusive and dynamic work environment.
So, if you’re curious about where work is heading and how you can be part of shaping that future, register now for “The Future of Work: From A to Gen Z” on SkyCity’s website or Eventbrite page. This conference is set to be a game-changer, helping to create a workplace that’s ready for what’s next.
