How can we ensure your industry Passes the vibe check that aligns with the career paths Gen Z is seeking?: Insurance &Construction

Many career paths may seem boring to the newest entrance, especially the ones that don't look flashy like Insurance and Construction

I've been in the room with stakeholders in construction during the year and one big question that comes up when I talk about working with Next Generation and talent at work the obvious question is how do we attract THEM? yes the Gen Z at work with their STEEZ, and co-create with them to make the industry be at par with their needs. In simple layman's terms, how can we as an organization be attracted to the newest entrance in the workplace?

I would be sharing the obvious from my findings and I would love to hear what has worked for?those in your circle.

Gen Z values personal growth, flexibility, and making an impact. Reframing these industries to align with those values—by focusing on innovation, sustainability, and purpose—will make construction and insurance careers more attractive.

First thing first it's amazing the world of work has got to the part where the table has turned and some industries are seeking to attract the "Workplace Galactico" rather than the Galacticos looking for the industry, this is because some industry feels left out if they don't position their path as admirable and attractive to the next generation.

To bring energy and appeal to career paths like insurance and construction for Gen Z, we need to tailor the messaging to their values and interests. Here are a few strategies to align these "boring" fields with the energy Gen Z brings

1 Let's change the way we talk about purpose and impact.

Gen Z cares about making a meaningful impact in their work. The traditional narratives around insurance and construction may not immediately showcase the societal contributions they offer. Here's how to reposition them:

• Insurance: Emphasize the role of insurance in protecting people and businesses, enabling communities to recover after disasters, and supporting financial security. Shift the conversation from "policies" to "protecting lives and futures." Do you get it? They are the same but different
• Construction: Frame construction as vital to creating sustainable, green projects that improve urban living and reduce environmental impact. Highlight projects like affordable housing, eco-friendly buildings, and disaster-resilient structures. Focus on how these careers contribute to shaping the future of our cities and planet.

2. Leverage Technology to Attract Innovation Enthusiasts

Gen Z is tech-savvy, and they expect innovation in their workspace. Showcase how these industries are embracing digital transformation:

• Construction: Demonstrate the use of cutting-edge technology like drones for site inspections, 3D printing for building prototypes, and AI for project management. Position construction as a field ripe for digital disruption, where young professionals can be at the forefront of innovative, tech-driven solutions and watch the sparkle in their eyes
• Insurance: Focus on how AI, blockchain, and big data are reshaping the insurance industry. Emphasize the role of digital tools in underwriting, risk assessment, and fraud detection, making it a tech-powered field with plenty of opportunities for young minds.

3. Flexible Work and Co-Creation Opportunities

Flexibility is crucial for Gen Z. These industries must show they’re adaptable:

• Construction: Offer flexible roles that allow for both on-site and remote project management, with the opportunity to work across different projects globally. Co-create training programs where Gen Z can input their ideas for modernizing processes or implementing sustainable practices.
• Insurance: Highlight roles that offer flexibility and autonomy, like data analytics, customer engagement, or digital product design. Position the industry as a space for continuous learning, offering certifications, workshops, and mentorship to evolve skills.

4. Integrate Storytelling and Creative Roles

Gen Z appreciates careers that allow them to express creativity:

• Construction: Move beyond the stereotype of the “silent engineer” and create roles that combine technical work with storytelling. Offer opportunities for professionals who not only design but also communicate the value of their work to stakeholders and the public. Host webinars, media appearances, or case studies showcasing how their projects contribute to societal transformation. Gone are the days when you have engineers say they just do the work and let it speak for itself in this era digital would speak for your work and you have to bring in the artist, the showman, and the silent worker to see the beauty they can create when they work together.
• Insurance: Create space for roles where young professionals can use their creativity to design products or services for new-age consumers. Also, leverage digital marketing and social media campaigns that make insurance accessible and relatable.

5. Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Gen Z is deeply motivated by sustainability and social causes. Incorporating this into the industry’s identity will resonate:

• Construction: Frame construction work as part of the solution to global issues like climate change, through building eco-friendly infrastructure, smart cities, and resilient structures. Gen Z will be drawn to projects with real-world environmental or social impacts.
• Insurance: Focus on how insurance supports vulnerable communities, from healthcare coverage to disaster recovery efforts. Present these roles as part of broader efforts to ensure equality and protect society, which aligns with Gen Z's sense of social responsibility

6. Build a Strong Sense of Community

Gen Z thrives in environments where they feel part of a community and can co-create:

• Create mentoring programs that pair young employees with industry veterans, but make it reciprocal. Allow Gen Z to bring in new ideas and approaches that older generations can learn from, particularly around technology and sustainability.
• Develop hackathon-style events or innovation labs within the company, where teams (including Gen Z) can brainstorm and prototype new products, services, or solutions for real-world problems.

Conclusion

The key to attracting Gen Z is to offer meaningful work that aligns with their values—innovation, flexibility, impact, and personal growth.

By reframing the opportunities within industries such as insurance and construction, making them tangible, and demonstrating their relevance to the world's future, these careers can become more attractive and exciting to younger professionals.

What has worked well for you when attracting them?

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Looking forward to hearing from you and seeing how you’re putting these strategies into action.

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.Charles Umeh is a Global – leadership author and Thought leader well-known for improving and helping the next generation in the workplace. He uses the tools of books, workshops, and knowledge events to achieve these goals. He has written and co-written six books on leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

His TED Talk Think Like a changemaker is a clarion call for the next generation to align with their work and calling. Charles works with teams and executives both as a shadow board and as a Third opinion for corporates and individuals his newest book Redefining Talent Redefining Talent E-copy addresses the human skills challenge for the Executives and HR leading the next generation at work. He produces and hosts the btcshow .

Charles works with teams and executives both as a shadow board and as a Third opinion for corporates and individuals his newest book Redefining Talent addresses the human skills challenge for the Executives and HR leading the next generation at work. He produces and hosts the btcshow a reservoir of knowledge for the upward mobile and next-generation entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs You should subscribe

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