Gen Z’s Radical Views and the Future of Work: Navigating the DivideWomen in Work Summit
The results of Channel 4's latest research, Gen Z: Trends, Truth, and Trust, raises alarms about the future of democracy and gender equality in the UK. The study reveals a disturbing shift in Gen Z’s views, with over half of respondents (52%) believing the country would be better off under an authoritarian leader who bypasses parliament. Additionally, 45% of male respondents said that the push for women’s equality has gone too far, leading to discrimination against men.
Alex Mahon, CEO of Channel 4, has called these findings a “wake-up call” for society, emphasising how social media’s influence is creating a generation that is both highly progressive and deeply disillusioned with traditional democratic processes. Alex highlighted the paradox: Gen Z is our most politically engaged and socially conscious generation, yet they are also among the most authoritarian, showing confusion and distrust in institutions.
Alex Mahon at the Women in Work Summit 2024
Mahon’s Key Insights on Gen Z
In her talk at the Women in Work Summit 2024, Alex explored the complexities of Gen Z’s attitudes, particularly around work and gender equality. She noted that while Gen Z is known for its digital fluency, social activism, and drive for inclusivity, it also faces challenges that older generations struggle to understand—chiefly the overwhelming influence of social media on their worldview.
Mahon pointed out that Gen Z believes their elders misunderstand their ability to cope with social media, underestimating its profound impact on mental health and perceptions of reality. This disconnect is contributing to the growing uncertainty among young people about who to trust, as they turn to influencers and alternative media sources rather than traditional news outlets.
Understanding Gen Z’s Workplace Expectations
At the summit she also delved into how these attitudes are influencing Gen Z’s expectations in the workplace. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z does not view the workplace as just a physical location—it’s about flexibility, inclusivity, and a sense of purpose. They value work-life balance, gender equality, and mental health support, with many seeking environments that promote personal and professional growth.
However, misconceptions about Gen Z’s work ethic persist. Alex addressed this directly, saying that while this generation often faces criticism for being overly entitled or disengaged, they are highly motivated when given the right opportunities. She emphasised the importance of supporting them through mentorship, autonomy, and a culture of open communication—tools that will help them thrive in the workplace.
From left to right: Alex Mahon, Georgina Snape, Holly Beddingfield and Ashanti Barrett
Bridging the Generation Gap: Collaboration is Key
A central theme of the panel was the need for intergenerational collaboration. While there’s often talk of a divide between Gen Z and older generations, Mahon believes that “there is much less intergenerational conflict than people think.” In fact, she noted that Gen Z shares many of the same role models and values as previous generations, which can facilitate smoother integration into the workforce.
Employees were encouraged to create workplaces where diverse voices are heard, and where mentorship and knowledge exchange are central to the company culture. Gen Z, Mahon argued, thrives in environments where their perspectives are valued and where they have the autonomy to make an impact.
Recommendations for Employers
As businesses look to integrate Gen Z into their teams, here are key recommendations from the session at the Women in Work Summit:
Flexibility and Autonomy: Allow flexible working hours and environments that accommodate different lifestyles and work preferences.
Open Communication: Foster a culture of transparency where employees feel encouraged to share their feedback and ideas.
Mentorship and Support: Implement mentorship programs that provide guidance and opportunities for professional growth.
Inclusivity and Diversity: Build a workplace that embraces diversity at all levels, ensuring everyone feels valued and supported.
Focus on Well-being: Prioritise mental health and wellness initiatives to support the overall well-being of employees.
Conclusion: A Call for Reflection and Action
The growing divide highlighted by Channel 4’s Gen Z: Trends, Truth, and Trust report should serve as a wake-up call to all of us. insights from the Gen Z panel Women in Work Summit 2024 remind us of the importance of understanding the unique challenges Gen Z faces, particularly around the issues of gender equality, social media influence, and political disillusionment. By embracing flexibility, open communication, and inclusivity, businesses can ensure that they remain relevant, productive, and able to harness the potential of this digitally savvy and socially conscious generation.
As Alex Mahon concluded, “Gen Z is shaping the future of work. To engage them effectively, we need to create cultures that reflect their values, challenges, and aspirations—ensuring that they have the support they need to thrive.”