A few years ago, I attended a congress focused on aligning purpose in workplaces and was surprised by the underrepresentation of people under 45 among both the audience and speakers. How can we build the future of workplaces and systems without engaging all generations?
As we celebrate International Youth Day today, it's crucial to raise awareness about the importance of youth participation in shaping the future of our societies. Half of the world’s population is under 30, and this is expected to reach 57% by the end of 2030. Young people are key agents of change and development, playing a critical role in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): “The future of humanity and of our planet lies in our hands. It lies also in the hands of today’s younger generation who will pass the torch to future generations.” — 2030 Agenda, paragraph 53
Empowering and engaging young people in organizations and communities is vital for fostering sustainable development and creating lasting positive social change. “Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires a seismic shift – which can only happen if we empower young people and work with them as equals.” — UN Secretary-General António Guterres
How to empower young people within your organizations? Here are 6 strategies you can implement:
Create Space for Young People’s Voices: Foster an organizational culture where young people are included, heard, and part of the decision-making process. This inclusion not only benefits the organization but also boosts the engagement and innovation of young employees.
Offer learning opportunities: "Organizations need to invest in young employees through educational and upskilling opportunities to create a more resilient world of work.” said Laurent Freixe, Executive Vice President, CEO Zone Latin America at Nestlé and Global Alliance for YOUth Chair. Creating learning opportunities and supporting upskilling in the digital era is crucial to help young people develop agility and resilience to address challenges.
Implement Mentoring Programs: The 2023 MENTOR study shows that 85% of young people with a mentor say this key relationship has helped them with issues related to school and education, and 74% of those who had a meaningful mentor say that person contributed significantly to their later success in life. Mentoring programs can be implemented within schools, universities and corporates and have positive impacts on young people, supporting them in their professional and personal growth.
Set up Coaching Programs: Coaching is a key tool to help young people overcome their fears and limiting beliefs. Coaching can provide tailored support, helping young people develop confidence, agility and leadership skills.
Connect Generations: Build initiatives that facilitate intergenerational collaboration and learning. These initiatives can bridge the gap between different age groups, promoting intergenerational dialogues, solidarities, and understanding while leveraging the strengths of each generation. Reverse mentoring is an example of initiative that has shown great results in the US.
Invest in Youth: “We talk about young people as the future, but we need to invest in the present so we can actually have a promising future.” — Helena Branco, young feminist activist, Brazil
By focusing on these strategies, organizations can help young people realize their potential and ensure they are well-equipped to contribute to and shape the future of our workplaces and societies. Let’s celebrate International Youth Day by committing to empower the next generation and work towards a brighter and more inclusive future.
Dounia Zellou is a millenial transformational speaker and the founder of HUMANAYA, a Paris-based training and consulting company. For more information about her work and services, feel free to visit her website www.douniazellou.com
Comments