There is much talk of a ‘Wellbeing’ crisis. Crisis or not, at Lindley we are seeing an increase in the number of young adults arriving on our programmes who are apprehensive about being in a new environment and nervous about meeting new people and taking on new challenges.
So what’s changed?
Organisations are now recruiting young people from Generation Z, the generation that was born between 1996 and 2010. A generation whose identity has been shaped by the digital age, climate anxiety, a shifting financial landscape, and COVID-19.
As employers grapple with attracting and retaining Generation Z, we thought it was worth considering the use of Outdoor Learning and Development interventions. Many organisations have a strong tradition of sending their apprentices and graduates on residential Outdoor Learning events. This blog explores how these events can help employers manage their apprentices’ and graduates’ transition into work life, as well as strengthening their well-being and helping them reach their potential.
For many the impact of COVID-19 and its related constraints on normal life are receding rapidly. For those whose formative years were restricted to learning from home, mask wearing in public and very few or no social gatherings face to face, most research 1. is pointing to a longer lasting impact. With Generation Z enduring a level of disruption not experienced by the previous 2 generations, during their teenage and early career years, some employers are refining their approaches to early careers programmes.
Though the pandemic was and is a very significant and often negative factor to consider in early careers work, some recent US based research gives encouragement. It identifies that though Generation Z may be less resilient, they have higher levels of openness to change and self enhancement compared to previous generations 2. It is also clear that they are more conscious of and used to talking about wellbeing, even if they have not yet developed a sustainable approach to managing wellbeing for themselves.
A Developed Approach
In response to these changes in the young people attending our residential events, the Lindley team have found themselves refining the design of Outdoor Learning interventions and approaches to delivery. Here are just some things we can see make a difference:
- Developing positive Self-Esteem
Building self-confidence and self-esteem has always been a well-recognised outcome of Outdoor Learning and is now more important than ever. At Lindley we acknowledge the feelings Generation-Z may experience when faced with an Outdoor Learning residential. We have a structured approach to helping individuals feel Welcome, Comfortable and Safe in their new environment. This approach enables learning outcomes to be achieved through full engagement with a programme of activity that is often new and stretching, intellectually and emotionally.
- A sense of belonging
Being part of a community is key to healthy wellbeing. Carefully selecting the make-up of learning groups with a view to building a strong and accessible network, enables relationships based on mutual learning experiences. It also provides a strong basis for the young person to fully contribute and problem solve in their new role, by reaching out to others.
- Building reflective capabilities
Effective reflective practice alone and in groups drives self-awareness and learning; crucial skills and knowledge for maintaining wellbeing in the workplace. It also supports the wider learning culture of an employing organisation.
- Developing intrinsic motivation through challenge, collaboration and curiosity
With potentially lower levels of resilience prevailing in Generation Z this has become an even more important issue. Well-designed outdoor learning exercises combined with skilful facilitation drive levels of self-autonomy and deeper understanding of self and one’s real potential.
- Developing skills that enable behaviour consistent with organisation values
Work with meaning is important to Generation Z, so understanding why explicit organisation values exist is a crucial step in any early careers programme. We have adapted our outdoor learning interventions to both build understanding and develop skills consistent with working to an organisation’s values.
Not just early careers
Lindley’s approach is informed by working in challenging community-based youthwork as well as with young people early in their careers. In such youthwork, appreciation of wellbeing has long been key to building trust and enabling personal development and change. We recommend considering the work of What Works Wellbeing.
If you are interested in working with the Lindley team to enhance the impact of an early careers programme or want to know more about our community based youthwork please contact me at andy.robinson@lindley.org
- Gen Z during the COVID-19 crisis: a comparative analysis of the differences between Gen Z and Gen X in resilience, values and attitudes. 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9362676/
