Latest news with #MyFirstPlace™
Forbes
02-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The Evolution Of Work: How Gen Z Is Reshaping Leadership And Workplace Culture
Written by Jayme Catalano As Generation Z enters the workforce in growing numbers, they are bringing fresh perspectives and expectations that are reshaping the traditional workplace. This digital-native generation, born between 1997 and 2012, is driving significant changes in management styles, work environments, and organizational values. Their influence is prompting companies to adapt, evolve and innovate, creating a new paradigm for the future of work. First Place for Youth staff member Theresa Do (center) with My First Place™ program participants from Oakland, CA. Photo by Robbie Sweeny One of the most striking characteristics of Gen Z is their strong desire for purpose-driven work. A staggering 86% of Gen Zers see purpose as pivotal to their overall well-being and job satisfaction. This generation scrutinizes potential employers' societal impact before applying for jobs, with 75% considering this a key factor in their decision-making process. Thomas Lee, CEO of First Place for Youth, understands this well. 'At our organization, we've seen firsthand how important it is for Gen Z employees to feel connected to our mission of supporting foster youth,' Lee explains. 'They want to know that their work is making a tangible difference in people's lives.' To meet this expectation, companies are increasingly emphasizing their social responsibility initiatives and aligning their business practices with broader societal goals. This shift is not just about attracting talent; it's about creating a more engaged and motivated workforce. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the trend towards flexible work arrangements, something that Gen Z particularly values. About 77% of Gen Zers consider work-life balance central to a successful career. This generation expects employers to care about their well-being, with 60% citing this as a crucial factor in job satisfaction. The pandemic has reshaped work norms, with remote and hybrid models becoming more common. 'We've had to adapt our operations to accommodate these new expectations, allowing our staff to work flexibly while still providing high-quality support to the youth we serve,' Lee notes. This shift towards flexibility is not just about where work happens, but when and how. Gen Z appreciates employers who focus on outcomes rather than rigid schedules, allowing for a better integration of work and personal life. As digital natives, Gen Z expects workplaces to be technologically advanced. They are comfortable with AI, automation, and digital collaboration tools, and they expect these to be seamlessly integrated into their work environment. First Place for Youth's Youth Roadmap Tool is an excellent example of how organizations can leverage technology to meet Gen Z's expectations while improving operational efficiency. 'Our AI-powered tool not only helps us provide better support to foster youth, but it also allows our Gen Z employees to work in a way that feels natural to them — data-driven, flexible, and impact-focused,' Lee explains. Gen Z has grown up in an era of increased awareness around mental health and trauma. The pandemic has further heightened this awareness, making trauma-informed care and mental health support crucial aspects of workplace culture. 'We've always practiced trauma-informed care in our work with foster youth,' Lee says. 'But we've found that applying these principles to our workplace culture has been beneficial for all our employees, especially our Gen Z staff who came of age during the pandemic.' Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of mental health support, with many expanding their Employee Assistance Programs and implementing mental health days. This focus on employee well-being aligns well with Gen Z's holistic view of work and life. Gen Z is driving a shift in leadership styles, favoring more collaborative and empathetic approaches over traditional hierarchical models. They respond best to leaders who demonstrate emotional intelligence and genuinely care about their well-being. 'Over the past five years, we've adapted our leadership style to be more inclusive and transparent,' Lee reflects. 'Our Gen Z employees expect to be informed of decision-making processes and want regular feedback on their performance.' This shift is leading to flatter organizational structures, more frequent check-ins between managers and employees, and a greater emphasis on mentorship and professional development. Gen Z is the most diverse generation yet, and they expect their workplaces to reflect this diversity. They are more likely to seek out employers who demonstrate a genuine commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). 'DEI isn't just a buzzword for Gen Z – it's a fundamental expectation,' Lee notes. 'We've found that our efforts to create an inclusive workplace have not only attracted Gen Z talent but have also improved our overall organizational culture.' Companies are responding by implementing more robust DEI initiatives, from diverse hiring practices to inclusive leadership training and employee resource groups. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on Gen Z's entry into the workforce. Many started their careers remotely, shaping their expectations of work in unprecedented ways. This experience has accelerated trends towards digital transformation, flexible work arrangements, and a focus on employee well-being. 'The pandemic forced us to rethink how we operate,' Lee says. 'But many of the changes we've implemented, like our hybrid work model and increased use of digital tools, align well with Gen Z's preferences and are likely here to stay.' As we move forward, it's clear that Gen Z's influence on workplace culture will continue to grow. Their emphasis on purpose, flexibility, technology, mental health, and inclusion is reshaping the very nature of work. Organizations that can adapt to these changing expectations will be better positioned to attract, retain, and engage this dynamic generation of workers. The evolution of work driven by Gen Z is not just about accommodating a new generation; it's about creating more human-centric, purpose-driven, and technologically advanced workplaces that can benefit employees of all generations. As Thomas Lee and First Place for Youth have discovered, embracing these changes can lead to more innovative, engaged, and effective organizations.
Forbes
02-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Youth Homelessness Crisis: The Urgent Need For Upstream Interventions
Written by Thomas Lee, CEO, First Place for Youth The United States is facing a critical challenge that demands immediate attention: a surge in homelessness, particularly among youth and families. Recent data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development paints a stark picture of this growing crisis. On a single night in January 2024, over 770,000 people were experiencing homelessness, marking an alarming 18% increase from the previous year. Even more concerning is the 33% jump in the number of unhoused children, reaching 150,000 in the same period. As the CEO of First Place for Youth, an organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood, I've witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of this crisis on one of our most vulnerable populations: older foster youth. A First Place for Youth program participant and his youth advocate meet in San Jose, CA. Photo by Robbie Sweeny Foster youth represent one of the most at-risk groups in our society when it comes to homelessness. A 2021 study by Chapin Hall revealed that by age 23, 25% of former foster youth will have experienced homelessness or resorted to couch surfing. Even more alarming, 59% will be living below the poverty line. These statistics underscore the critical importance of providing support during the transition to adulthood. The overall homelessness rate in the U.S. has reached 23 out of every 10,000 people. This number becomes even more significant when we consider the disproportionate impact on foster youth. At First Place for Youth, we've seen firsthand that targeted, upstream interventions can make a significant difference in preventing homelessness before it begins. Our flagship My First Place™ program provides a comprehensive approach to supporting foster youth ages 18-21, combining stable housing, education and employment support, and life skills training. In the fiscal year 2024, we served 1,496 youth across six California counties and through our affiliate partners in five other states. The results of our program speak volumes about the effectiveness of this approach: These outcomes demonstrate that with the right support, foster youth can overcome the odds and build successful, independent lives. The recent surge in family homelessness, which rose by nearly 40% from 2023 to 2024, further emphasizes the need for programs that support young adults in establishing stable households. Our focus on maintaining family size and promoting education and employment is crucial in breaking the intergenerational cycle of homelessness and poverty. By providing support to young adults as they transition into independence, we're not just helping individuals – we're potentially preventing future generations from experiencing homelessness. As we face this national crisis, it's clear that we need a multi-faceted approach to address homelessness. While immediate housing solutions are crucial, we must also invest in prevention strategies that target vulnerable populations like foster youth. Policymakers need to recognize the value of upstream interventions and allocate resources accordingly. This means not just funding emergency shelters and temporary housing, but also investing in programs that provide long-term support and skills development for at-risk youth. Community leaders can play a crucial role by fostering partnerships between organizations like First Place for Youth and local businesses, educational institutions, and other community resources. These partnerships can provide valuable opportunities for internships, mentorship, and skill development for foster youth. The private sector also has a significant part to play in addressing this crisis. Companies can contribute not just through financial support, but also by creating employment opportunities specifically targeted at foster youth and other at-risk populations. By providing stable employment and career development opportunities, businesses can help break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. The homelessness crisis, particularly among youth, is a complex problem that requires a coordinated and comprehensive response. As a society, we need to shift our focus from reactive measures to proactive, preventative strategies. I call on policymakers, community leaders, and fellow citizens to support organizations that are doing the vital upstream work to prevent homelessness. By investing in our youth today, we can build a stronger, more stable society for tomorrow. The homelessness crisis is daunting, but it is not insurmountable. With targeted interventions, comprehensive support, and a commitment to our most vulnerable youth, we can turn the tide and ensure that every young person has the opportunity to thrive in a stable, secure home. As we move forward, let's remember that every young person deserves a chance at a stable, successful future. By focusing on prevention and providing comprehensive support to our most vulnerable youth, we can make significant strides in addressing the homelessness crisis and building a more equitable society for all. Sources:
