Lecture Notes: Reimagining the Future of Work with Gen Z

Introduction

• Activity: "Would you rather" game to explore job preferences.
  • Majority of current workers prefer job stability.
  • Gen Z prefers changing jobs frequently to gain diverse experiences.
• Key Topic: Gen Z perspectives challenge traditional work norms.

Speaker's Background

• Career in researching workplace design and knowledge workers.
• Personal story: Balancing career and motherhood.
  • Struggle with traditional work hours and family commitments.

Challenges in Current Work Norms

• Outdated rules still shape work culture:
  • Traditional 8 to 5 work hours.
  • Historical reasons for school summer breaks and career paths leading to burnout.

Recent Shifts in Work Environments

• Rise of hybrid work as an opportunity for change.
• Concept of "Vuja De": Re-evaluating known ideas with fresh perspectives.

Insights from Gen Z

1. Physical-Digital Fluidity
   • Gen Z's natural integration of digital and physical work environments.
   • Preference for neither fully remote nor fully in-office work.
   • Importance of flexible work timing over location.
2. Expectations of Transparency
   • Desire for clarity and transparency in workplace policies.
   • "Platinum Rule": Treat others how they wish to be treated.
   • Importance of companies clearly stating their work policies.
3. Insistence on Inclusion
   • Need for diverse voices in workplace decision-making.
   • Example: Gucci's shadow board success story.

Speaker's Personal Experience

• Started a company supporting flexible work for mothers.
• Growth through word of mouth and eventual acquisition.
• Success attributed to phygital work, transparency, and openness to new ideas.

Conclusion

• Work is broken; Gen Z offers solutions.
• Collaborative effort needed to implement change.

Key Takeaways

• Embrace Gen Z's perspective as a prototype for future work models.
• Implement flexible, transparent, and inclusive work environments.
• Engage new voices and ideas in shaping workplace culture.
• Reevaluate and adapt traditional business practices to suit modern needs.