Bringing together a diverse panel of voices to discuss generational shifts in the workplace felt especially meaningful in a venue as historic as St Paul’s Cathedral, which has itself seen many changes in the City of London over time. Our partnership report launch on Tuesday 8 October explored Gen Z’s changing attitudes to, and impact on, the world of work, and highlighted the importance of intergenerational dialogue.
Chaired by Clement Hutton-Mills, Managing Director at Goldman Sachs, the discussion was opened by our Programme Director, Professor Melissa Butcher, with an executive summary of the Gen Z and the City report, setting the stage for an engaging conversation. The panellists included Nadia Minors, Head of Compliance at Vocalink (a Mastercard company), and two Gen Z representatives, Yunus Alom and Katerina Karamani.
So, what did we learn? Well, Gen Z is bringing a fresh new approach to work – one that’s more values-driven than we’ve seen in previous generations. They aren’t afraid to speak up when work practices clash with their personal values, and they’re pushing for change in a way that’s getting a lot of attention.
A major takeaway is that Gen Z wants more than just a pay cheque – they want purpose. They expect their jobs to align with their personal beliefs and are eager to bring their authentic selves to work. Gone are the days of strict work-life boundaries. For Gen Z, it’s all about integration and balance, with a focus on enjoying both their careers and personal lives – being coined as the ‘Joy Generation’ in the report!
By bringing together different generations, the panel was able to explore new ways to create progress and transformation in the City of London and beyond. Conversations like these are essential in building a shared understanding that can drive meaningful change across all ages and sectors.
This report is a call to action for businesses and leaders. The future of work will demand a rethinking of leadership styles, benefits, and company values.
Download a copy of the Gen Z and the City report.
