Finat’s YPN embraces value of GenZ and Millennials

The Young Professionals Network (YPN) workshop, ‘From energy eater to energy giver,’ hosted by Laura Bas, multi-award-winning changemaker and Gen Z expert, has showcased the immense potential of the youngest generation in driving innovation in the workplace.

Held just before the Finat European Label Forum 2024 in Athens, Greece, the workshop emphasized the pivotal role of young professionals in transforming outdated processes into efficient and attractive systems for both junior and senior employees.

The workshop's focus was understanding the unique strengths of the youngest generation (both Gen Z and Millennials) in the workplace.

Gen Z is characterized by its innovative spirit and readiness to challenge the status quo. At the same time, the Millennials, now moving into mid-level positions, are known for their strong drive to shape their work forms with room for (personal) development.

‘With guidance and support from more experienced colleagues, both Gen Z and Millennials can leverage their innovative drive to rejuvenate processes and energize the organizational environment,’ said Bas. ‘Participants engaged in team exercises designed to spark creativity and foster collaboration. The workshop highlighted the importance of energy boosters, such as new challenges, collaboration, learning new skills, trust and having a significant impact. These elements were identified as crucial for maintaining high energy levels across different generations within the workplace.’

Conversely, common energy drainers, such as simple and repetitive tasks, fear of change, micromanagement, unproductive meetings and unnecessary emails, were also discussed, with practical solutions proposed, including ensuring meetings have a clear purpose, defined agenda and action points, as well as employing a timekeeper to prevent overruns.

‘A notable highlight of the workshop was the exploration of social innovation, where Gen Z drives innovation, and Millennials support and implement these changes. Participants had to build their dream organizations and pitch these organizations to their peersm’ added Bas. ‘They were motivated to also organize similar exercises within their own teams, first receiving feedback from senior colleagues, and then presenting their concepts to the whole team, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. The dream organization that won the final exercise was an organization including a factory built on a cruise ship that traveled the world while working. All employees had to rotate jobs every six weeks to ensure everyone understood every facet of the organization.

‘There was also a huge learning and development department where employees constantly tried to improve the work processes. They also worked four days a week, leaving enough time to explore the world while working. Even though we do not see this happening in the near future, it did show how the youngest generation has a preference for innovation, learning new skills, and a flat organization with a very low hierarchy.’

Following the success of the YPN workshop, Finat is looking to support newcomers and young professionals within the label industry further. Initiatives such as coaching and personal development programs are being considered to ensure that the next generation of professionals is well-equipped to lead the industry into the future.