Our parents worked long hours, often with little sleep, and carried the pride of sacrifice on their shoulders. Family and friends would wait while duty was fulfilled. For them work was everything.
That was the way of the time, and it built the foundation on which we stand.
Today’s youth who make up the majority of our workforce see life differently. Work is not their only identity. It is one part of a larger whole.
After work, they want to go to the gym, join a social club, or spend time on their hobbies. Many also volunteer and give back to the community. They treasure moments with family and friends, and they want their careers to allow space for it.
They understand that balance fuels better living.
As leaders, we too know that when a person is energized in life, they bring more focus, creativity, and vitality to work. So what is our responsibility as leaders in this new landscape?
I believe, we must honor this balance. To respect that a person has a life outside of work is not to lower the standard: it is to fuel performance. A manager who allows a team member to attend a family commitment, or supports them in their health goals, wins loyalty far deeper than any overtime demand can secure.
We must also nurture growth. Young professionals hunger for learning. They want to be mentored, guided, and given responsibility. They are not content to sit quietly and follow instructions. They want to try, to experiment, to contribute.
When leaders open doors instead of closing them, potential turns into performance. Growth is no longer a reward for loyalty alone; it is the oxygen that keeps talent alive.
It is also important, that we lead with kindness.
Too many workplaces still operate on fear: managers raising voices, belittling mistakes, or treating staff as expendable. That may have worked in the past, but it has no place in the workplace of today. Young people will not stay where they are not valued.
A simple word of encouragement, a note of appreciation, or even listening with respect can inspire far more than any reprimand.
Leadership should not be about clinging to the old ways. It must be about reading the times and guiding people forward.
The world of work has shifted, and so must we. Our young people are not asking for less: they are asking for better. Better balance, better opportunities, better humanity at work.
The question is: will we, as leaders, rise to meet them?
At The Happiness Club we offer leaders a pathway starting with our VibeShift ptogram – a full circle of awareness, tools and resources, and mentorship.
Smile and Let Smile 