Generations 'reshaping workplace norms, compelling leaders to adjust to workplace cultural shifts'
Almost all (93%) of Canadian professionals between 20 and 35 want to work for an organization that is agile, meaning it supports quick and flexible decision making, according to new research from Nestlé Canada.
The data also revealed that 96% of those surveyed say the best organizations to work for are those that reward courage and allow employees to share new and bold ideas. Courage is one of the key attributes employees want but are not finding at work, with only 55% feeling their current employer embraces these principles.
"Gen Z and Millennials are reshaping workplace norms, compelling leaders to adjust to workplace cultural shifts," said John Carmichael, president & CEO of Nestlé Canada. "At Nestlé Canada, our commitment to continuous learning and growth fuels us to adapt and respond to the ever-evolving demands of today's diverse workforce. This requires going beyond our organization, actively exploring external viewpoints, and applying these meaningful insights to shape our culture at Nestlé."
Adapting to changing times
Most Gen Z and Millennials feel they can do a better job when they are trusted at work and are more satisfied and willing to stay in their job when agility, courage, and trust are central to their working environment, the survey of 1,113 online working Gen Z and Millennial professionals revealed.
However, the factors important to these generations might not be fully realized yet, as among the professionals who are contemplating leaving their current positions, over three quarters (77%) say their employer is not agile.
Similarly, 78% of those say their current workplace falls short in promoting courage, and 72% say they're not given the level of trust that they need. This presents an opportunity to redefine Canadian workplaces of the future, and an unmet need to build cultures rooted in these factors, according to the Nestlé press release.
"In this constantly changing marketplace, the need for agility and courageous action is greater than ever. These attributes aren't just aspirations for employees; they're what they expect from their employers and the culture they want to immerse themselves in. Leaders must invest and proactively shape the culture within their companies, or they will not be able to attract and retain the top talent of today and tomorrow," said Carmichael. "The results of our surveys affirm that our approach – founded on agility, courage, and trust – resonates with our employees and aligns with the evolving expectations of Gen Z and Millennials who seek empowering and inclusive workplace cultures."
Through its ACT framework, Nestlé is fostering an environment where 85% of the workforce say they feel empowered to make decisions, 80% find the work environment conducive to agility, and a similar percentage feel comfortable taking calculated risks.
