Features
Understanding potential of Generation Z: How next wave of employees will transform workforce
By Roshan Fernando
As the post-millennial generation, Gen Z is projected to soon surpass Millennials as the most populous generation globally, with over one-third of the world’s population identifying as Gen Zers. A study by PwC found that Gen Zers are ethnically and racially more diverse than any previous generation, with nearly half identifying as something other than white. By 2023, Gen Z will make up 36% of the global workforce, according to research by KPMG. The emergence of Gen Z onto the global stage will have a significant and far-reaching impact, affecting various aspects such as the workplace, consumer market, technology, politics, and culture.
Gen Zers are generally considered individuals born between the mid-to-late 90s and early 2010s. This means that people born between 1997 and 2012 fall under the age range of Gen Zers. However, the birth years that define Generation Z may vary depending on the source. Gen Zers today have already begun entering the workforce in large numbers. This demographic is characterised by its digital savvy and diverse backgrounds. As Gen Zers begin to take on more prominent roles in the workforce, employers must adapt their engagement strategies to meet this demographic’s unique needs and expectations.
One of the most significant ways that Gen Z will impact the global workforce is their familiarity and comfort with technology. This generation has grown up with smartphones, social media, and the internet, and they expect to be able to use these tools in their work. Employers will need to invest in technology that allows Gen Zers to communicate, collaborate, and access information in ways familiar to them. This may include using instant messaging and video conferencing and implementing social collaboration tools. Another way that Gen Z will impact the workforce is through their desire for flexibility.
This generation values work-life balance and is less likely to work long hours or sacrifice their personal lives for their careers. Employers must consider offering flexible work arrangements such as remote work options and flexible schedules to attract and retain Gen Z talent. Gen Zers, where their backgrounds are concerned, would bring a positive aspect into play since more diversity and inclusivity would mean opening up the door for more unique perspectives and ideas. Employers should therefore focus on creating inclusive cultures that value diversity and encourage open dialogue.
This includes providing training and resources to help managers understand and appreciate their Gen Z employees’ backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Diversity is important to Generation Z across multiple dimensions, including race, gender, identity, and orientation. Companies that can effectively showcase the diversity within their branding and marketing efforts will have a greater chance of attracting diverse talent. In summary, Generation Z will bring new energy and ideas to the global workforce. Still, employers must adapt their integration strategies to meet this demographics’ unique needs and expectations. This will involve investing in technology, offering flexibility, and fostering inclusive cultures that value diversity.
As we understand the preferences and behaviours of Generation Z entering the workforce, it’s crucial to consider how the concept of “work” is evolving. The new realities of these changing forces present us with complex questions, including the ethics of human-machine collaboration, how to plan for careers spanning 50-60 years, and how to tap into a wide range of talent sources to drive organisational growth. The future of work will demand a return of the Renaissance figure: an individual with a diverse range of talents, interests, and areas of knowledge. This will require integrating four essential skills; digital tools and technology proficiency, an understanding of data analysis and decision-making, and problem-solving skills through creativity and leadership skills, to name a few.
Integrating Gen Zers to the Workforce
There are several things that employees can do to help integrate Gen Zers into the workforce:
Being more open-minded about their stance in life : Gen Zers are a new generation entering the workforce, and they may feel unsure of themselves and their place in the company. Employees should be open and welcoming to new Gen Z hires and try to relate with them on some level and make them feel comfortable.
Share your knowledge and experience : Gen Zers have grown up with technology and may be more familiar with specific tools and platforms than older employees. However, they may have different levels of experience and knowledge in other areas. Employees should be willing to share their knowledge and expertise with Gen Zers and help them learn and grow.
Encourage collaboration : Gen Zers are a collaborative generation who thrive in team environments. Employees should encourage cooperation and teamwork among Gen Zers and other employees to help them build relationships and work together effectively.
Provide mentorship and coaching : Gen Zers are eager to learn and grow in their careers. Employees can provide mentorship and coaching to help Gen Zers develop their skills and advance in their careers.
Promote diversity and inclusion : Gen Zers are a diverse generation who value inclusivity in the workplace. Employees should promote diversity and inclusion and try to understand and appreciate the different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences of Gen Zers.
Encourage employee-driven learning opportunities : Gen Zers are a highly educated generation interested in learning and development. Employees should encourage employee-driven learning opportunities and resources to help Gen Zers pursue their passions and interests.
Be transparent and communicate effectively : Gen Zers value transparency and open communication. Employees should be exemplary and communicate effectively with Gen Zers to help them feel informed and connected to the company.
Be open to feedback and ideas : Gen Zers are innovative and want to be part of something bigger than themselves. Employees should be available for input and ideas from Gen Zers and actively seek out their contributions.
Job-hopping? Not a Gen Z Concern
According to a study conducted by the Oliver Wyman Forum on how Gen Zers perceive working, they have reported that Gen Zers do not view job-hopping as a negative trait, unlike previous generations. Gen Zers in the West, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom, who identify as “loyal” to their employers, actively or passively seek new employment opportunities. Furthermore, Gen Zers are likelier to leave unfulfilling jobs without securing a new position beforehand. This sentiment has been reflected on social media platforms such as TikTok, where hashtags related to leaving jobs without a plan, such as #quietquitting and #greatresignation, have amassed more than 570 million views in total. It is clear that job-hopping is of great importance to Gen Zers.
Older generations, like boomers and Gen Xers, worked hard to advance in their careers, but Gen Zers want to play by different rules. They want to change how companies work, and the pandemic has made them want to change even more. In 2021, many young people aged 18 to 29 in the United States quit their jobs. 37% quit, compared to 17% of people aged 30 to 49, 9% aged 50 to 64, and 5% aged 65 and up. This is according to a study by the Pew Research Centre, as recorded by the Gen Z Report that the Oliver Wyman Forum put together.
Being Socially Conscious – What it means for Gen Zers
Being socially conscious means that Gen Zers are aware of and concerned about social and environmental issues and want to impact the world positively. This can take form in a variety of ways. If we narrow down the concept of Environmentalism, Gen Zers are more environmentally conscious than previous generations and are more likely to support sustainable practices and products. They are also more aware of the impacts of climate change and want to take action to reduce their carbon footprint.
In terms of Social Justice, Gen Zers are more socially aware and want to promote equality and inclusivity. They are more likely to support causes related to race, gender, and LGBTQ+ rights and are more likely to advocate for marginalised communities. If we take the topic of Ethical Consumption, Gen Zers are more conscious of the impact of their consumption on society and the environment. They are more likely to align with companies that believe in making a positive social and environmental impact. They are more likely to research the supply chain and working conditions of the products they buy.
Gen Zers are also passionate about volunteering, are more likely to get involved in social service work, and are eager to help make a difference in their immediate communities, the country, and the world itself. Another very significant area happens to be Political Activism. Gen Zers are politically active and engaged and want to change the world through political means. Being socially conscious is an essential aspect of Gen Zers’ identity. They want to impact the world positively and are more likely to support causes and companies that align with their values. This can affect how they consume, spend their time, and choose to work. Employers should consider these areas when creating a culture and engaging with Gen Z employees.
by Dr Gotabhya Ranasinghe
Senior Consultant Cardiologist
National Hospital Sri Lanka
When we sought a meeting with Hon Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Health, he graciously cleared his busy schedule to accommodate us. Renowned for his attentive listening and deep understanding, Minister Pathirana is dedicated to advancing the health sector. His openness and transparency exemplify the qualities of an exemplary politician and minister.
Dr. Palitha Mahipala, the current Health Secretary, demonstrates both commendable enthusiasm and unwavering support. This combination of attributes makes him a highly compatible colleague for the esteemed Minister of Health.
Our discussion centered on a project that has been in the works for the past 30 years, one that no other minister had managed to advance.
Minister Pathirana, however, recognized the project’s significance and its potential to revolutionize care for heart patients.
The project involves the construction of a state-of-the-art facility at the premises of the National Hospital Colombo. The project’s location within the premises of the National Hospital underscores its importance and relevance to the healthcare infrastructure of the nation.
This facility will include a cardiology building and a tertiary care center, equipped with the latest technology to handle and treat all types of heart-related conditions and surgeries.
Securing funding was a major milestone for this initiative. Minister Pathirana successfully obtained approval for a $40 billion loan from the Asian Development Bank. With the funding in place, the foundation stone is scheduled to be laid in September this year, and construction will begin in January 2025.
This project guarantees a consistent and uninterrupted supply of stents and related medications for heart patients. As a result, patients will have timely access to essential medical supplies during their treatment and recovery. By securing these critical resources, the project aims to enhance patient outcomes, minimize treatment delays, and maintain the highest standards of cardiac care.
Upon its fruition, this monumental building will serve as a beacon of hope and healing, symbolizing the unwavering dedication to improving patient outcomes and fostering a healthier society.We anticipate a future marked by significant progress and positive outcomes in Sri Lanka’s cardiovascular treatment landscape within the foreseeable timeframe.
by Fr. Emmanuel Fernando, OMI
Jesuit Fr. Aloysius Pieris (affectionately called Fr. Aloy) celebrated his 90th birthday on April 9, 2024 and I, as the editor of our Oblate Journal, THE MISSIONARY OBLATE had gone to press by that time. Immediately I decided to publish an article, appreciating the untiring selfless services he continues to offer for inter-Faith dialogue, the renewal of the Catholic Church, his concern for the poor and the suffering Sri Lankan masses and to me, the present writer.
It was in 1988, when I was appointed Director of the Oblate Scholastics at Ampitiya by the then Oblate Provincial Fr. Anselm Silva, that I came to know Fr. Aloy more closely. Knowing well his expertise in matters spiritual, theological, Indological and pastoral, and with the collaborative spirit of my companion-formators, our Oblate Scholastics were sent to Tulana, the Research and Encounter Centre, Kelaniya, of which he is the Founder-Director, for ‘exposure-programmes’ on matters spiritual, biblical, theological and pastoral. Some of these dimensions according to my view and that of my companion-formators, were not available at the National Seminary, Ampitiya.
Ever since that time, our Oblate formators/ accompaniers at the Oblate Scholasticate, Ampitiya , have continued to send our Oblate Scholastics to Tulana Centre for deepening their insights and convictions regarding matters needed to serve the people in today’s context. Fr. Aloy also had tried very enthusiastically with the Oblate team headed by Frs. Oswald Firth and Clement Waidyasekara to begin a Theologate, directed by the Religious Congregations in Sri Lanka, for the contextual formation/ accompaniment of their members. It should very well be a desired goal of the Leaders / Provincials of the Religious Congregations.
Besides being a formator/accompanier at the Oblate Scholasticate, I was entrusted also with the task of editing and publishing our Oblate journal, ‘The Missionary Oblate’. To maintain the quality of the journal I continue to depend on Fr. Aloy for his thought-provoking and stimulating articles on Biblical Spirituality, Biblical Theology and Ecclesiology. I am very grateful to him for his generous assistance. Of late, his writings on renewal of the Church, initiated by Pope St. John XX111 and continued by Pope Francis through the Synodal path, published in our Oblate journal, enable our readers to focus their attention also on the needed renewal in the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka. Fr. Aloy appreciated very much the Synodal path adopted by the Jesuit Pope Francis for the renewal of the Church, rooted very much on prayerful discernment. In my Religious and presbyteral life, Fr.Aloy continues to be my spiritual animator / guide and ongoing formator / acccompanier.
Fr. Aloysius Pieris, BA Hons (Lond), LPh (SHC, India), STL (PFT, Naples), PhD (SLU/VC), ThD (Tilburg), D.Ltt (KU), has been one of the eminent Asian theologians well recognized internationally and one who has lectured and held visiting chairs in many universities both in the West and in the East. Many members of Religious Congregations from Asian countries have benefited from his lectures and guidance in the East Asian Pastoral Institute (EAPI) in Manila, Philippines. He had been a Theologian consulted by the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences for many years. During his professorship at the Gregorian University in Rome, he was called to be a member of a special group of advisers on other religions consulted by Pope Paul VI.
Fr. Aloy is the author of more than 30 books and well over 500 Research Papers. Some of his books and articles have been translated and published in several countries. Among those books, one can find the following: 1) The Genesis of an Asian Theology of Liberation (An Autobiographical Excursus on the Art of Theologising in Asia, 2) An Asian Theology of Liberation, 3) Providential Timeliness of Vatican 11 (a long-overdue halt to a scandalous millennium, 4) Give Vatican 11 a chance, 5) Leadership in the Church, 6) Relishing our faith in working for justice (Themes for study and discussion), 7) A Message meant mainly, not exclusively for Jesuits (Background information necessary for helping Francis renew the Church), 8) Lent in Lanka (Reflections and Resolutions, 9) Love meets wisdom (A Christian Experience of Buddhism, 10) Fire and Water 11) God’s Reign for God’s poor, 12) Our Unhiddden Agenda (How we Jesuits work, pray and form our men). He is also the Editor of two journals, Vagdevi, Journal of Religious Reflection and Dialogue, New Series.
Fr. Aloy has a BA in Pali and Sanskrit from the University of London and a Ph.D in Buddhist Philosophy from the University of Sri Lankan, Vidyodaya Campus. On Nov. 23, 2019, he was awarded the prestigious honorary Doctorate of Literature (D.Litt) by the Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, the Most Venerable Welamitiyawe Dharmakirthi Sri Kusala Dhamma Thera.
Fr. Aloy continues to be a promoter of Gospel values and virtues. Justice as a constitutive dimension of love and social concern for the downtrodden masses are very much noted in his life and work. He had very much appreciated the commitment of the late Fr. Joseph (Joe) Fernando, the National Director of the Social and Economic Centre (SEDEC) for the poor.
In Sri Lanka, a few religious Congregations – the Good Shepherd Sisters, the Christian Brothers, the Marist Brothers and the Oblates – have invited him to animate their members especially during their Provincial Congresses, Chapters and International Conferences. The mainline Christian Churches also have sought his advice and followed his seminars. I, for one, regret very much, that the Sri Lankan authorities of the Catholic Church –today’s Hierarchy—- have not sought Fr.
Aloy’s expertise for the renewal of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka and thus have not benefited from the immense store of wisdom and insight that he can offer to our local Church while the Sri Lankan bishops who governed the Catholic church in the immediate aftermath of the Second Vatican Council (Edmund Fernando OMI, Anthony de Saram, Leo Nanayakkara OSB, Frank Marcus Fernando, Paul Perera,) visited him and consulted him on many matters. Among the Tamil Bishops, Bishop Rayappu Joseph was keeping close contact with him and Bishop J. Deogupillai hosted him and his team visiting him after the horrible Black July massacre of Tamils.
Sri Lanka-Singapore Free Trade Agreement
By Gomi Senadhira
senadhiragomi@gmail.com
“You might tell fairy tales, but the progress of a country cannot be achieved through such narratives. A country cannot be developed by making false promises. The country moved backward because of the electoral promises made by political parties throughout time. We have witnessed that the ultimate result of this is the country becoming bankrupt. Unfortunately, many segments of the population have not come to realize this yet.” – President Ranil Wickremesinghe, 2024 Budget speech
Any Sri Lankan would agree with the above words of President Wickremesinghe on the false promises our politicians and officials make and the fairy tales they narrate which bankrupted this country. So, to understand this, let’s look at one such fairy tale with lots of false promises; Ranil Wickremesinghe’s greatest achievement in the area of international trade and investment promotion during the Yahapalana period, Sri Lanka-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (SLSFTA).
It is appropriate and timely to do it now as Finance Minister Wickremesinghe has just presented to parliament a bill on the National Policy on Economic Transformation which includes the establishment of an Office for International Trade and the Sri Lanka Institute of Economics and International Trade.
Was SLSFTA a “Cleverly negotiated Free Trade Agreement” as stated by the (former) Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade Malik Samarawickrama during the Parliamentary Debate on the SLSFTA in July 2018, or a colossal blunder covered up with lies, false promises, and fairy tales? After SLSFTA was signed there were a number of fairy tales published on this agreement by the Ministry of Development Strategies and International, Institute of Policy Studies, and others.
However, for this article, I would like to limit my comments to the speech by Minister Samarawickrama during the Parliamentary Debate, and the two most important areas in the agreement which were covered up with lies, fairy tales, and false promises, namely: revenue loss for Sri Lanka and Investment from Singapore. On the other important area, “Waste products dumping” I do not want to comment here as I have written extensively on the issue.
1. The revenue loss
During the Parliamentary Debate in July 2018, Minister Samarawickrama stated “…. let me reiterate that this FTA with Singapore has been very cleverly negotiated by us…. The liberalisation programme under this FTA has been carefully designed to have the least impact on domestic industry and revenue collection. We have included all revenue sensitive items in the negative list of items which will not be subject to removal of tariff. Therefore, 97.8% revenue from Customs duty is protected. Our tariff liberalisation will take place over a period of 12-15 years! In fact, the revenue earned through tariffs on goods imported from Singapore last year was Rs. 35 billion.
The revenue loss for over the next 15 years due to the FTA is only Rs. 733 million– which when annualised, on average, is just Rs. 51 million. That is just 0.14% per year! So anyone who claims the Singapore FTA causes revenue loss to the Government cannot do basic arithmetic! Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I call on my fellow members of this House – don’t mislead the public with baseless criticism that is not grounded in facts. Don’t look at petty politics and use these issues for your own political survival.”
I was surprised to read the minister’s speech because an article published in January 2018 in “The Straits Times“, based on information released by the Singaporean Negotiators stated, “…. With the FTA, tariff savings for Singapore exports are estimated to hit $10 million annually“.
As the annual tariff savings (that is the revenue loss for Sri Lanka) calculated by the Singaporean Negotiators, Singaporean $ 10 million (Sri Lankan rupees 1,200 million in 2018) was way above the rupees’ 733 million revenue loss for 15 years estimated by the Sri Lankan negotiators, it was clear to any observer that one of the parties to the agreement had not done the basic arithmetic!
Six years later, according to a report published by “The Morning” newspaper, speaking at the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) on 7th May 2024, Mr Samarawickrama’s chief trade negotiator K.J. Weerasinghehad had admitted “…. that forecasted revenue loss for the Government of Sri Lanka through the Singapore FTA is Rs. 450 million in 2023 and Rs. 1.3 billion in 2024.”
If these numbers are correct, as tariff liberalisation under the SLSFTA has just started, we will pass Rs 2 billion very soon. Then, the question is how Sri Lanka’s trade negotiators made such a colossal blunder. Didn’t they do their basic arithmetic? If they didn’t know how to do basic arithmetic they should have at least done their basic readings. For example, the headline of the article published in The Straits Times in January 2018 was “Singapore, Sri Lanka sign FTA, annual savings of $10m expected”.
Anyway, as Sri Lanka’s chief negotiator reiterated at the COPF meeting that “…. since 99% of the tariffs in Singapore have zero rates of duty, Sri Lanka has agreed on 80% tariff liberalisation over a period of 15 years while expecting Singapore investments to address the imbalance in trade,” let’s turn towards investment.
Investment from Singapore
In July 2018, speaking during the Parliamentary Debate on the FTA this is what Minister Malik Samarawickrama stated on investment from Singapore, “Already, thanks to this FTA, in just the past two-and-a-half months since the agreement came into effect we have received a proposal from Singapore for investment amounting to $ 14.8 billion in an oil refinery for export of petroleum products. In addition, we have proposals for a steel manufacturing plant for exports ($ 1 billion investment), flour milling plant ($ 50 million), sugar refinery ($ 200 million). This adds up to more than $ 16.05 billion in the pipeline on these projects alone.
And all of these projects will create thousands of more jobs for our people. In principle approval has already been granted by the BOI and the investors are awaiting the release of land the environmental approvals to commence the project.
I request the Opposition and those with vested interests to change their narrow-minded thinking and join us to develop our country. We must always look at what is best for the whole community, not just the few who may oppose. We owe it to our people to courageously take decisions that will change their lives for the better.”
According to the media report I quoted earlier, speaking at the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) Chief Negotiator Weerasinghe has admitted that Sri Lanka was not happy with overall Singapore investments that have come in the past few years in return for the trade liberalisation under the Singapore-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement. He has added that between 2021 and 2023 the total investment from Singapore had been around $162 million!
What happened to those projects worth $16 billion negotiated, thanks to the SLSFTA, in just the two-and-a-half months after the agreement came into effect and approved by the BOI? I do not know about the steel manufacturing plant for exports ($ 1 billion investment), flour milling plant ($ 50 million) and sugar refinery ($ 200 million).
However, story of the multibillion-dollar investment in the Petroleum Refinery unfolded in a manner that would qualify it as the best fairy tale with false promises presented by our politicians and the officials, prior to 2019 elections.
Though many Sri Lankans got to know, through the media which repeatedly highlighted a plethora of issues surrounding the project and the questionable credentials of the Singaporean investor, the construction work on the Mirrijiwela Oil Refinery along with the cement factory began on the24th of March 2019 with a bang and Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and his ministers along with the foreign and local dignitaries laid the foundation stones.
That was few months before the 2019 Presidential elections. Inaugurating the construction work Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the projects will create thousands of job opportunities in the area and surrounding districts.
The oil refinery, which was to be built over 200 acres of land, with the capacity to refine 200,000 barrels of crude oil per day, was to generate US$7 billion of exports and create 1,500 direct and 3,000 indirect jobs. The construction of the refinery was to be completed in 44 months. Four years later, in August 2023 the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to cancel the agreement with the investors of the refinery as the project has not been implemented! Can they explain to the country how much money was wasted to produce that fairy tale?
It is obvious that the President, ministers, and officials had made huge blunders and had deliberately misled the public and the parliament on the revenue loss and potential investment from SLSFTA with fairy tales and false promises.
As the president himself said, a country cannot be developed by making false promises or with fairy tales and these false promises and fairy tales had bankrupted the country. “Unfortunately, many segments of the population have not come to realize this yet”.
(The writer, a specialist and an activist on trade and development issues . )
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
