How Christians Can Influence the Next Generation in the Workplace

Christian leaders learn how to influence Gen Zers in the workplace

As people of faith, we have a unique opportunity to reach the next generation — and it starts in the workplace. No matter our positions, we have the potential to inspire and speak into the lives of those around us. We can use our influence to impact Gen Z in a positive and powerful way.

Why?

Because, like Gen Zers, we believe that impacting our communities and making a difference in our society matters. But how can we come alongside the next generation and encourage them to become the leaders they were meant to be?

Here are four ways we can reach the next generation.

1. Make a difference.

One study by Deloitte found that 77% of Gen Zers believe it is important that they work for “organizations whose values align with their own.” The study found that Gen Zers form their opinions of a company based on “their ethics, practices and social impact,” and that companies must “take action consistent with their ethics and values.”

However, a study by Weber Shandwick showed that 46% of employees say their company talks about making a difference and impacting society, but often, doesn’t follow through on their promises.

As Christians, we have the opportunity to step into that gap.

1 John 3:17-18 reads, “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”

As leaders, we have the power to positively influence and reach the next generation by being true to what God calls us to, both in word and in action. By actively caring for the poor, supporting charitable organizations and striving to make a difference in our communities, we will inspire our younger employees and encourage them to do the same, regardless of perceived differences.

2. Be authentic.

According to Businessolver, Gen Z workers value “transparency, inclusivity, and feedback” in the workplace.

As Christians, we believe in a living God who helps us to face the very real challenges in our daily lives. It’s important we are open about our struggles — and how we aren’t alone in facing them.

Gen Z doesn’t want a religion that promises they will never have difficulties or encounter hardships. They know there’s suffering in the world and within themselves — that’s why they keep attending therapy, fighting for societal change and crying out for political reform — they want to make a difference.

What they need to hear from us is that they aren’t alone in trying to change the world, and that as they face the challenges in their lives, there’s someone there with them. And that’s where we come in.

3. Build relationships.

According to Yello’s recruiting study, Gen Z employees rank their relationship with their recruiter as having the highest impact on their decision to accept a job.

For a generation whose beliefs may be very different from our own, it can be challenging to find common ground and be intentional in building relationships. However, if we want to make a difference in the lives of this generation, it won’t be by arguing with them or judging them.

How did Jesus reach the lost? He didn’t condemn them or separate himself from them; He went into their houses, shared meals with them, healed them and forgave their sins.

We must be intentional about seeing others through Christ’s eyes and offering our Gen Z employees the face-to-face, authentic relationships they crave. We should be a positive, encouraging voice in their lives.

4. Be hopeful for the future.

Many sources tell us that Gen Z is a godless, entitled and hopeless generation. And it’s no wonder — over 34% of Gen Zers are religiously unaffiliated, making them the “least religious generation yet” according to the American Survey Center. While this data may be discouraging, we should be asking ourselves: what would happen if God touched this generation?

Gen Z is known for being passionate enough about a cause to go on marches, petition for policy change and support organizations they believe in. They aren’t afraid to stand up for their beliefs, and they have more conviction and faith in their causes than most today. That kind of passion and commitment to a cause is rare — it’s the same conviction that inspired powerful leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and allowed him to change a nation.

God can, and wants to save this generation — and I believe He is inviting us as leaders to be a part of that process.

Gen Z is positioned to be more passionate revivalists than any generation before. But we must start believing in them and allowing Christ to love and reach the next generation through us. Only then will we see Gen Z live out their full potential and find real love, peace and hope — and just imagine what they will be capable of when they do.

Related