Las Vegas Co-Manager, Principal Geologist, PG, CEM of Broadbent & Associates, Inc.
As businesses across various industries brace for future challenges, one constant remains: the workforce is evolving. The integration of Generation Z (Gen Z) and other post-boomer generations into the workforce has brought with it a new set of values, expectations, and skills that demand our attention. I’ve been with Broadbent & Associates, Inc. for 32 years, and as someone who has played the “long game”, I’ve witnessed these changes firsthand.
In previous generations, work often took precedence over nearly everything else. Many Baby Boomers and Generation Xers were raised to believe that a job should be central to one’s life. This provided security and stability, and the notion of work-life balance was hardly a topic of conversation. However, as younger generations enter the workforce, their approach is radically different. They value a better work-life balance, and, for businesses like Broadbent, accommodating these expectations isn’t just possible—it’s essential.
Broadbent, an environmental, water resource, and civil engineering firm, has thrived because of our ability to adapt. We’ve embraced modern technologies, research tools, and the evolving skillsets brought by younger workers. Our secret lies in recognizing that success in today’s workplace doesn’t come from trying to replicate the workforce of the past. Quite the opposite, in fact. We don’t need more people like me. What we need is a diverse team that brings unique skills, perspectives, and experiences to the table. The younger generations are coming in with fresh ideas, advanced technological skills, and a different way of approaching problems and finding solutions.
The work ethic and the passion are there, but their approach might look different. The younger workforce tends to value flexibility and a balance that allows them to have a life outside of work. That’s not laziness—it’s a healthier mindset. Let’s not forget that, thanks to their technological fluency, younger workers often get things done much faster. A younger colleague of mine, for example, can gather data, compile maps, and provide thorough summaries in minutes thanks to her access to modern tools. For those of us who didn’t grow up in the digital age, that’s impressive. It’s also a reminder of why businesses need to embrace this new talent.
It seems that not all industries are keeping up. I see it frequently in my network—employers still expect younger employees to work 70-hour weeks while being paid a salary that no longer reflects today’s living costs. Those businesses are losing talent, not because the younger generations aren’t capable, but because the expectations don’t match the values of the new workforce. Let’s be honest, businesses that can’t adapt will struggle to succeed in the long run.
We can’t paint an entire generation with the same brush. Just like every other generation, Gen Z has strengths and weaknesses. Our job as business owners and managers is to hire for those strengths and support them in areas where they may need help, but make no mistake: we need them. They are next in line for leadership, and we’d be foolish to ignore their potential.
This evolution in the workforce has become clear to me at career fairs and hiring events. Sure, you’ll hear many young people express interest in social media or entertainment, industries that didn’t even exist 20 or 30 years ago in the same capacity, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t interested in long-term careers in more traditional sectors. Industries are also competing with one another because these new career paths didn’t exist a generation ago, and young people today have options. The need for civil engineers, environmental consultants, and geologists isn’t going away. The list goes on with thousands of other job titles across other industries. These roles are foundational to our economy, and the younger generations know that. What’s changing is simply their approach.
At Broadbent, we’ve seen the benefits of embracing the new workforce firsthand. The younger generation brings fresh energy, new ideas, and the skills necessary to navigate a rapidly evolving technological world. If businesses want to thrive, we need to meet employees halfway. There’s no room for clinging to outdated traditions if we’re serious about future success.
Ultimately, the message is clear: evolve or get left behind. The future workforce is here, and it’s ready to lead. Let’s give them the support they need to succeed.
