Gen Z, the most ethnically diverse and socially conscious generation in history, is stepping into the workforce with a clear demand. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) must remain a priority. However, DEI programs are facing unprecedented rollbacks across the country. With programs being shut down and offices shuttered. Gen Z’s core values are being put to the test.
Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012 (ages 13-28), represents the youngest segment of the American workforce, with many just starting their careers and a large percentage still in college or high school. Like other generations, Gen Z has their own unique experiences that helped shape their ideals. As the most ethnically diverse generation in the U.S. and the largest globally, Gen Z has lived through the rise of social media, the great recession, terrorism and war, the #MeToo movement, Black Lives Matter, and even a worldwide pandemic. They’ve lived with near-constant connectivity through smartphones and other devices and witnessed instability and turmoil in this country like no other generation, all through the lens of social media.
Gen Z is ready to push back
Because of their unique experiences, Gen Z has developed a strong ethos of right and wrong and how they envision living their lives. A leadership management expert, Robert Tanner, said it best, “Gen Z is not a go along to get along generation.” They will question things, push back, and find an alternate route to get where they want to go. This is great news, as they will need to do just that if they want to live in a country that will address (or even acknowledge) systemic racism and gender inequality through programs like DEI.
Numerous studies conducted before the recent rollbacks and decimation of DEI programs across the country have shown that diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the workplace are vitally important to Gen Z. According to a study by Tallo in 2020, over 99% responded that DEI in the workplace is “important,” while 87% deemed it “very important.” When searching for their next workplace, over 75% would reconsider applying to a company that did not exemplify diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Despite their strong commitment to equity, Gen Z is entering a workforce where DEI initiatives, once a vital part of academia and corporate America, may be nonexistent.
The cost of DEI rollbacks
As the largest generation in the workforce, the Gen Z cohort stands to wield more power than any other generation. Companies should take note of their DEI concerns and look for ways to implement programs that work toward diversity, equity, and inclusion, even if they are rebranded under new names. To look the other way will impact their bottom line substantially. In fact, companies with strong DEI programs and diverse leadership teams reported a 39% increase in profitability and are 12 times more likely to retain employees.
The numbers are clear: diversity, equity, and inclusion matter a great deal to Gen Z.
Gen Z is facing barriers they’ve never experienced before, and their willingness to push back and take their talent and treasure elsewhere can (and should) greatly impact the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Here are ways to empower and support these emerging Gen-Z leaders during this time of uncertainty.
- Invite them to the table. Create ways to engage them in developing new programs with your company or organization that represent many of the same ideals, such as diversity, equality, and inclusion.
- Develop their leadership skills. Offer leadership training and provide educational opportunities, empowering them to keep working toward a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive world.
- Mentor them. Be the lighthouse for them in this storm. They are searching for a place in this world, and your lived experience and perspective could be exactly what they need.
- Empower them. Give them permission and reinforcement when they want to push back against what is quickly becoming the status quo.
The future of diversity, equity, and inclusion depends on our actions today. Gen Z is poised and ready to lead the charge, but they can’t do it alone. It’s up to all of us—employers, educators, mentors, and allies—to create safe spaces where their voices are heard, their values are respected, and their potential is realized. Start by inviting them to the table, investing in their growth, and standing with them as they challenge the current narrative. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable world—not just for Gen Z, but for generations to come.
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At Women Connect4Good, we are launching two new programs to inform, support, and empower Gen Z. They include:
Did You Know, a facts-based campaign to challenge assumptions, start conversations, and drive change. As Gloria Steinem said, “The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off.” In today’s world, with women’s leadership at a standstill, continued inequities, and evaporating rights, that’s an understatement. Myths, misconceptions, and misinformation have held us back for far too long. It’s time to set the record straight. Knowledge is power, and the truth can change everything. With Did You Know, we offer quick, impactful insights and actionable steps for every woman and man on the planet.
YWAC, aka the Young Women’s Advisory Council, is a new program to empower young women to confidently step up and lead in their schools, communities, and the world at large. This is more than another leadership program—it is a movement to ensure young women have the knowledge, resources, and opportunities to lead. With the help of WC4G’s organizational partners and friends, YWAC will select annual cohorts and offer them hands-on learning in the areas of philanthropy, finance, activism, and gender issues, as well as mentorship and leadership development in a way that is dynamic, meaningful, and accessible. This movement is about real-world impact, meaningful connections, and giving tomorrow’s changemakers the tools they need to make a difference today.