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”Young adults’ attitudes towards such matters as responsibility are very different from those of previous generations, and this is reflected in working life,” says Post-doctoral researcher Miia Grénman.
Generation Z represents something quite new. People in this generation – those born around 1995-2010 – consider responsibility, ecology, sustainability and equality to be the most important issues. This is also the most educated generation to date, and these people have had access to the unlimited information offered by the internet all their lives.
“This is an extraordinary generation! When Gen Z’s values penetrate society at different levels, the world can change,” says Miia Grénman, who has extensively researched the values and consumption habits of this generation.
While the middle-aged representatives of Generation X, as well as those belonging to Generation Y, make unsustainable choices, Gen Z struggles with environmental anxiety. These young people will have to live in this world for a long time.
“They understand that you can’t postpone solving the ecological crisis – this is the time to make even painful decisions. However, you can also see hope through the concerns. Generation Z has an optimistic faith and confidence that things can change for the better and solutions will be found.”
When it comes to work, Generation Z values a sustainable lifestyle and a sense of meaning. The employer’s values must correspond to theirs, including both environmental and social responsibility.
“Gen Z representatives review the employer’s values in advance when applying for a job and are disappointed if the company does not live up to its promises,” says Grénman.
Internal motivation, opportunities to influence and a sense of meaningfulness are more important to Generation Z than status and money; work is one aspect of life among others, and therefore the values involved in work must be in line with one’s own values.
“They expect their work to give them the opportunity to do good, make a difference, drive development, progress and help others. A good work community is also considered important. As an employee or manager, a Gen Z representative is helpful, human-oriented, approachable and open,” says Grénman.
Schools are shared workplaces with employees from several employers. People at Havukoski School are constantly thinking about how to develop safety and ensure that messages are transferred effectively even in dangerous situations.
Improving occupational safety at a shared workplace requires cooperation, clear operating models and continuous monitoring.
Improving safety requires continuous risk assessment and effective communication. Monitoring by occupational safety and health authorities has revealed significant shortcomings in occupational safety and health at shared workplaces.
At the Meyer Turku shipyard, approximately 80 per cent of the production of cruise ships is subcontracted. Matti Tuimala, Safety Manager at the shipyard, explains how safety is ensured at the huge shared workplace.
