Hello everyone and welcome to our newsletter on all things Gen Z.

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This week we’re shining new light and new viewpoints on some familiar topics: workplace progression, financial advice, and what Gen Z are doing differently from their predecessors. We do this on purpose - these are big, overarching topics that are often written about and debated without enough nuance. We often see one-off stories or single studies used to make sweeping statements that often don’t show the whole picture. As a regular reader of this newsletter, we hope you’ll build a fuller picture of this generation, and approach sensational headlines with a more knowing wink. 

We hope you all have a great weekend - and if you’re listening to the new Beatles song, you’ll be spending it the same way as many Gen Zers. 

Gen Z are thinking differently. . .

"The major difference I'm having to unlearn is all the misogynistic ideas my parents taught me. Like being forced to marry early, have lots of children, be quiet and shy without any strong feelings. I'm a very strong, opinionated woman.” This is just one quote from a series of quotes from Gen Zers who shared what they’ve learnt from previous generations and how they feel about the future with Buzzfeed. We implore you to read the rest, covering topics like housing, climate change, and setting boundaries at work.

. . .but in other ways we’re all the same

Like many of us, the TikTok community is loving the new Beatles song ‘Now and Then’. Gen Z fans across the globe are connecting on the platform by sharing their adoration for the song and for the Beatles in general. The 1960s band have managed to stay relevant, with over 32 million listeners a month on Spotify and popularity on TikTok. Some things never go out of fashion…

The Gen Z to CEO pipeline may struggle. . .

Does remote work mean you’re less likely to rise up the ranks to CEO level? NYU business professor Suzy Welch thinks so. Her view stems from the importance of having a presence in the office and the access to mentoring that comes from it. She also thinks remote jobs may be at higher risk of redundancies, as bosses explore whether such roles can be outsourced to countries with cheaper labour. What are your thoughts? Narrow point of view that misses lifestyle shifts? Or a truth best faced head on?

. . .And Mum and Dad are never too far

Who do Gen Z turn to with financial struggles? Their parents! We talk a lot about the lack of financial education for young people, and the role content on platforms like TikTok and YouTube plays to fill that gap. But many young people are also relying on mum and dad, who they feel supported by and who they see as more economically stable.

And finally…

73%

…Of Gen Z value fulfilment in their chosen job over a high salary. As we’ve mentioned previously, Gen Z report feeling strongly about the social, political and environmental aspects of their life and work.

How can we help?

In my many travels and conversations, I’m increasingly talking to CEOs, executives and civil society leaders wanting to better understand the next generation of consumers and the next generation of employees. Gen Z is putting pressure on us all to transform in fascinating ways, and many of us are asking questions about how to cater for younger workers and future proof our organisations.

If this sounds like you, we’d be keen to have a chat and see if TNM can help. From our own content production to work we have done, for example, with The Oliver Wyman Forum, we have a raft of insights and data which can support you. We work closely with a number of global organisations – helping with high-impact story-telling, digital media, internal communications, through to employee benefits, HR and working structures.

Email me direct and all of us at TNM look forward to speaking further.

Kamal Ahmed
Editor-in-Chief and Co-founder
The News Movement

Our Top 5 News List

The top stories young people cared about this week, from our audience team and newsroom debates.