Dr. Nika White, CDE®, IOM

Recently, I participated in a panel discussion hosted by Women of Concern Professionals and Strategic Conscious Networking (WOCPSCN) Board of Trustees and the JazzyJZ International Committee as part of their goal to ensure gender equity and equality.

During Women's History Month, the annual panel discussion considers thought-provoking topics to inspire and create positive change. Today’s topic was New Paradigm Embodiments: Gen Z's Work Ethics & Values.

I was asked to share ways that Gen Z’s work ethics and values benefit society, particularly from a workplace operations perspective. I highlighted the importance of understanding how society shifts impact various aspects of life, including work environments, and the specific relevance in the context of Gen Z’s ethics and values.

1. Emphasis on Diversity and Inclusion: Gen Z places a strong emphasis on diversity, inclusivity, and representation. This value affects operations and project management, necessitating diverse teams and inclusive practices to foster innovation and creativity.

2. Remote Work and Flexibility: The paradigm shift towards remote work and flexibility, accelerated by the pandemic, is valued by Gen Z due to the work-life balance implications while maintaining productivity and collaboration.

3. Technology Integration: Gen Z's deep integration of technology into daily life improves immersive project planning and training.

4. Focus on Mental Health and Wellness: Gen Z's heightened awareness of mental health and wellness issues necessitates fostering a supportive team culture.

5. Environmental Sustainability: Gen Z's commitment to environmental sustainability and ethical consumption amplifies the need for eco-friendly practices in operations, reducing waste in project delivery, and considering the environmental impact of supply chains.


The opportunity for organizations to thrive by embracing diversity, flexibility, technology, wellness, and sustainability in the evolving landscape shaped by Gen Z has me hopeful for the future.

Thank you for the opportunity, Loretta Green-Williams.