Safety in the Workplace: Managing the Expectations of Millennials and Gen Z
The workplace is evolving, and leadership must evolve with it to understand relevant risks and how to relate to the future of the safety industry.
- By Stephen Daigneault
- Dec 02, 2024
In today's modern workplace, ensuring the safety of employees goes beyond just physical well-being and correcting of the “low-hanging fruit”. The low-hanging fruit in this case is the easiest and most obvious safety actions to progress or achieve minor success within a workplace’s culture while negating the focus or expense of the more important initiatives.
Baby Boomers are retiring and as the workforce shifts with Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z taking the helm, organizations must rethink how they approach safety to meet the needs and expectations of these younger generations. But what exactly do these workers prioritize, and how can employers create an environment that both engages and protects them?
The Shift in Workplace Safety Expectations
The Occupational Safety and Health Act was enacted on April 28, 1971, when Baby Boomers—individuals born between 1946 and 1964—were just coming of age and entering the workplace. For older generations, workplace safety often meant a set of rules and regulations designed to prevent injury such as introducing PPE usage. This is the last line of defense and the least effective method of controlling a hazard. Nonetheless, it is a very straightforward approach. Clear, digestible protocols for hazardous environments with the bare minimum requirements were also enacted, but the manner in which the content was delivered was in its infancy.
However, Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) and Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) have different expectations of what it means to work in a safe, effective environment. Raised in an era of rapid technological advancement, widespread social change and greater awareness of mental health, they demand more from their employers in terms of both physical safety and psychological well-being.
Context drives the behavior within. Millennials and Gen Z want the value of purpose and meaning. The traditional and hierarchical structures that are more driven by authority are what Baby Boomers are typically comfortable with, in addition to understanding the “how” or “what” instead of the “why” that younger generations emphasize. Millennials and Gen Z seek work environments that value not just physical safety but also mental, emotional and social safety.
Mental Health and Psychological Safety: The New Frontiers
The growing emphasis on psychological safety is one of the key differences in how Millennials and Gen Z view workplace safety. Psychological safety—defined as the ability to speak up without fear of retribution or ridicule—is now a fundamental component of a healthy work culture. For younger generations, being heard and feeling valued is just as crucial as wearing the correct safety equipment. Employees who do not fear the failure or negative consequences of voicing their opinion are more than likely to be more forward-thinking, driving innovation. Innovation drives improvement, and improvement allows organizations to stay competitive.
Organizations that are on the forefront of understanding the psychological side of safety are now implementing mental health programs and offering resources like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), mental health days and even counseling services. Beyond that, creating a workplace culture that encourages openness and inclusivity is vital. Younger workers are particularly sensitive to issues like discrimination, harassment and microaggressions. A lack of action on these fronts can create an unsafe atmosphere that undermines morale, safety and performance.
Digital Tools and Technology: Enhancing Safety in New Ways
Millennials and Gen Z are digital natives, and their expectations for safety extend to the technology they use in the workplace. From ergonomic software tools to advanced safety apps that track real-time hazards, technology is transforming how safety is managed. Digital solutions like wearable devices that monitor employee health or augmented reality (AR) tools that offer virtual safety training are becoming standard in many industries. These immersive training tools allow employers to simulate hazardous work conditions without having to expose employees to physical hazards. Reinforcing safe practices in a low-risk environment improves emergency response, equipment handling, material manipulations and more.
Furthermore, safety management systems are increasingly being integrated with AI-driven analytics. These systems can predict and prevent potential risks by analyzing trends in worker behavior, near-miss incidents and environmental conditions. This proactive approach to safety is not only efficient but also aligns with younger workers' preferences for data-driven decision-making. Are organizations investing in this data-driven approach? Industries are often encouraged to be leaner, continually improve, do more with less and optimize working conditions. Take advantage of what technology is doing for the safety industry. Pay now or pay later.
The Role of Leadership in Safety Culture
For Millennials and Gen Z, leadership commitment to safety goes beyond mere policy enforcement. It’s about leading by example and creating a transparent, supportive environment. Gone are the days of just constructing a safety mission statement and cascading it via the company newsletter. While a safety mission statement is an important fundamental element that articulates an organization’s commitment to safety, it lacks specificity, continual engagement, employee empowerment and ownership.
Both Millennials and Gen Z place significant trust in organizations that demonstrate a clear commitment to the well-being of their employees through action. Without action, a safety mission statement is merely words on a letterhead. They expect leaders to be actively engaged in fostering a culture of safety, which includes everything from regular check-ins with staff, allocating resources, investing monetarily and making mental health a key priority.
Moreover, Millennials and Gen Z value autonomy and flexibility. Safety protocols that are rigid and top-down may be less effective than those that empower workers to take an active role in identifying and mitigating risks. This can include safety committees, feedback loops and crowd-sourced solutions to improve workplace conditions. A workplace where employees are encouraged to contribute to safety discussions helps foster a sense of ownership and responsibility.
The Bottom Line: Why It Matters
Investing in safety management for Millennials and Gen Z isn't just the right thing to do; it's also good for business. Companies that prioritize comprehensive safety programs—addressing both physical and psychological needs—see higher employee engagement, lower turnover rates and improved productivity. In fact, businesses with strong safety cultures report lower injury rates and higher levels of innovation, as employees feel empowered and supported in their work environment.
By understanding and addressing the unique safety concerns of Millennials and Gen Z, employers can create workplaces where safety isn’t just about avoiding accidents. It’s about fostering an environment where employees thrive. As the workforce continues to evolve, so too must the approach to workplace safety.
In conclusion, the overall “takeover” of Millennials and Gen Z in the workplace will unfold gradually, but the most noticeable shifts have begun. By the late 2020s and early 2030s, all Baby Boomers will be retired or nearing retirement. Are you prepared for leading and managing the safety of Millennials and Gen Z?
Can organizations embrace a holistic approach that blends traditional safety measures with a strong focus on mental health, well-being and technology? By taking these generations' concerns seriously and providing the tools and resources they need to stay safe, companies can ensure they remain competitive in an ever-changing landscape.