The Key to Innovation and the Future of Work

The role that young people play today in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future is crucial, especially when it comes to the world of work. As professionals, we are increasingly interconnected and digitally present. And it is precisely the youth who have a golden opportunity to be pioneers in innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration.

The current generation, born in the digital age, stands out for its innate ability to adapt to new technologies and use digital tools to tackle complex problems. Being more connected and aware of global challenges than any other generation, young people consider technology essential for their professional future.

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), 70% of young people firmly believe that technology will play a decisive role in their careers. One of the most notable examples in our current context is artificial intelligence. At WeWork and PageGroup, we discovered that Gen Z and millennials are leading the adoption of AI in their jobs. With fewer barriers toward these new solutions, AI is perceived as a positive tool, as 94% of people believe it can improve their productivity.

Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Collaboration as a Promising Future

The rapid incorporation of new technologies fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, in 2022, around 24% of young people aged 18 to 34 in Latin America were involved in entrepreneurial activities. This phenomenon is driven by the availability of resources that facilitate the creation of new companies and innovative projects.

Eighty percent of millennials and 72% of Generation Z seek work environments that foster the creation of a diverse and supportive community. This is essential for their development and exchange of ideas, as it provides them with a network of contacts and mentors who can offer guidance and support at key moments.

Challenges in the Workplace

However, while technology and innovation are creating new paths for their professional growth, young people also face a series of obstacles that require constant attention to be overcome.

For instance, there are few job opportunities due to intense competition, and many times, only limited options are available that do not match their skills and expectations. This leads to a second problem directly related to these environments, where the pressure to stand out and the stress that comes with it can cause anxiety and negatively impact young people’s mental and emotional well-being.

Of course, another related issue is the low wages the market offers these young people, especially considering the current high inflation. This hinders their financial stability, professional development, and ability to invest in their growth and education. Without a competitive salary, this can turn into another challenge we have identified: lack of stability.

Due to dissatisfaction with their salaries or roles, jobs tend to take on a temporary nature, which, in turn, can become a source of uncertainty. Young people seek job security and long-term benefits and won’t hesitate to move toward the job that suits them best, even if it’s temporary.

We are at a unique opportunity to transform the world of work. This generation has the potential to reshape the future of work, especially because of the values of inclusivity and dynamism that are part of their culture. Their adaptability is paving the way for the success of a new legacy of innovation and progress in organizations.

And while young people face significant challenges, the flexibility and adaptability of new innovation schemes, technology adoption, and new work models offer a promising solution to address these difficulties and build a more inclusive and dynamic future of work for this generation.

At WeWork, we firmly believe that creating inspiring spaces is essential for young people to become the next leaders of new sustainable, responsible, and innovative work practices.

About WeWork

WeWork is the world leader in flexible spaces, providing companies of all sizes with the space, community, and services they need to manage and grow their business. With over 800 locations in 151 cities and 38 countries worldwide, WeWork offers flexible space solutions to its 490,000 members globally.

About WeWork Mexico

As a pioneer and leader in flexible workspaces, WeWork significantly contributes to transforming the work environment in the country. WeWork has been present in Mexico since 2016 and, as of 2021, is part of WeWork Latam, an entity independently operated from WeWork Global. The company has 22 buildings across three strategic cities: 14 in Mexico City, four in Monterrey, and four in Guadalajara, with over 14,500 active members.