Connectedness: what next-gen leaders want from your workplace (and L&D program)

What matter most to these generations? Topics like inclusion, health and well-being, sustainability, flexibility, clear growth pathways, a sense of community and social value, and authentic impact.

In fact, a recent survey by Deloitte found:

• 50% of Gen Z have rejected an assignment at work based on it not aligning with their personal ethics or beliefs.
• 86% of Gen Z and 89% of Millennials reported having a sense of purpose at work as very or at least somewhat important to their overall job satisfaction.

Let’s explore what this means for the workforce today – how companies can create a values-driven culture and learning and development program that supports both the next gen’s desires for career development today and building a more meaningful leadership landscape for tomorrow.

A (work) place where everyone belongs

For younger generations it all starts (and ends) with a workplace culture and space design that says:

I belong here.

This means a variety of space types to work in, thoughtful amenities, like lots of natural light and wellness space, and accessibility and inclusivity for every neuro-type kept top of mind.

It also means transparent growth opportunities for every career stage, and leadership leading by example.

Learning and development that aligns with company values

Connecting learning and upskill opportunities to your company’s core values is one way to foster the culture you want across teams and drive even greater accountability around your commitments.

First, identify your values and needed employee skills and get to mapping – one to the other.

As you finalize your list, don’t forget to think ahead. Prioritize cross-functional skills built for dynamic, fast-changing environments, like adaptability, critical thinking, creativity, teamwork and planning. And anticipate any future needs or technology that could be helpful to master to improve operational process or individual performance efficiencies, such as robust CRM or AI tools training.

Sell the vision to leadership and have them set the tone for success.

Connect current and future workforces to top talent at every career stage

Engagement with industry and growth at every career stage means leading talent meeting each group where they are:

• Partnering with universities, trade and high schools to ensure a steady flow of early career professionals understand your company and broader industry’s work, values, purpose and the opportunities ahead.
• Meaningful internships that deliver hands on experience, setting early-stage professionals up with the exposure to environments and skills development needed to get a true head start in their careers.
• Professional development learning modules – on demand, ready whenever employees need them, or on-the go.
• Formal Emerging Talent programs built to develop the leadership and behaviorial skills that high performers need to maximize their future potential.
• Dynamic mentorship networks for early, mid and senior level professionals, accessible to help every team member be able to better position themselves for the next step up in their career.

Create a culture of connection

Being the authentic and accountable industry leader younger generations crave starts and ends with company core values – deciding and leaning all the way into who you are and how to want to show up in this world.

In commercial real estate, we are more than buildings – we help build cities and communities and shape industry careers – now and into the future. It’s something we take seriously, our role in bettering ourselves for people and planet.

Help your employees know your why and how they are part of something bigger that they can take real ownership in shaping.

Younger generations want authentic, purpose-driven work and working environments that put people first. Your challenge? Find what that means to you, meet them where they are, and deliver.