Millennials Are Helping To Make Safety A Top Concern In Industry

This article will look at ways on how millennials’ workplace safety training can be done efficiently, and how companies can embrace recent changes in technology to help grow their workforce. Each generation poses a distinct challenge for businesses, as they millennials and workplace safety try to get them involved in company initiatives, and rally behind organizational goals. An example is millennials’ workplace safety training, which can look vastly different from the training methods of old.

Safety’s generation gap

Everyone has the most to gain from treating each other with empathy and respect. Keeping this in mind, focusing on the strengths of millennial and Gen Z employees will make it easier to see what can be done to develop the next generation of workplace safety leaders. 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. The workplace has undergone significant change over the past few years, with millennials taking the reins.

Rethinking OHS: The Millennial Approach to Workplace Safety

“There have been times when I’m trying to communicate that expectation when there are team members above the age of 55 and they’ve been in the industry forever,” she said. Womack occasionally encounters workers who won’t wear safety glasses, for example. Working with colleagues who have vast experience in her industry can be a challenge at times, but she’s found a simple way to break down walls. “I think every generation looks at the next generation coming up and says, ‘Oh my God, how are they going to survive?!

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Additionally, the use of technology has become increasingly prevalent in promoting occupational health and safety in today’s world. Millennials, as tech-savvy individuals, are at the forefront of using digital tools to drive change in this arena. These tools not only raise awareness of the importance of workplace safety, but also help ensure safety protocols are followed and incidents are consistently recorded and addressed. Millennials are making their mark in various job categories, including OHS. They are known for their diverse skills and technological savvy, which makes them well suited for leadership positions in this field.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. workforce breakdown by generation is 15% Baby Boomers, 31% Gen X, 36% Millennials, and 18% Gen Z. Recognise also that every generation is different and change is a constant. Millennials taught themselves digital skills during their teenage years. They’re used to constant, iterative improvement, and want to apply this to their working processes.

It’s helpful to understand the communication styles of each generation, rooted in the influence of the events, technology, and values present in the world around them while they were growing up. Tulgan is also a leading expert on generational differences in the workplace. The use of technology is a no-brainer when designing an effective millennials workplace safety training method for your younger employees. The importance of integrating technology in your safety training regime cannot be emphasized enough.

For example, you might engage more day-to-day on Slack or Teams but meet in person for more important conversations. When accommodating the whole team, try to find an approach that everyone can adapt to. You won’t always be able to cater to every person’s preferred mode, but you can identify their preferences and seek to balance communication styles that suit everyone. “Leading a multi-generational workforce requires flexibility, empathy, and a commitment to inclusivity,” said Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, president and chief executive officer of SHRM.

Ensure Workplace Safety at your business.

Younger employees will likely be very aware of the lack of support and figure they have no obligation to invest in an employer that will not invest in them. Plus, when it comes to workplace safety, failing to properly train employees is unethical and illegal. Managers and supervisors need to understand younger workers’ predilection for safety.

• The millennial generation, also known as Generation Y, has been described as one of the most technologically advanced and socially conscious generations to date.
• President Trump did sign into law paid paternity leave for the federal workforce.
• Newsweek spoke to a number of experts who have unpacked the millennial travel trends that are set to remain relevant in the coming year.
• 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.
• Memes, parodies and songs about “OK BOOMER” (usually written in caps to help enhance fading, aging eyesight) are growing for a reason.

The millennial generation is quickly becoming a driving force in the workplace, and their impact is particularly evident in the field of occupational health and safety (OHS). Born between 1981 and 1996, millennials are now the largest demographic in the workforce and will make up 75% of the workforce by 2025, they are bringing a new perspective to safety leadership. In this article, we will explore the role that millennials are playing in promoting workplace health and safety, why they are well-suited for this leadership role, and the digital tools they are using to drive change. One of the key ways that millennials are promoting workplace safety is through their use of technology.

• Not only will businesses gain a competitive advantage by building a culture for their workforce to thrive in, but it presents a valuable learning opportunity.
• CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.
• “These findings shouldn’t be interpreted as a death knell for Millennial careers,” Veiga emphasizes.
• U.S. OHS pros, and organizations that form the majority of members are mostly boomers hooked on all things OSHA.
• This type of software helps to ensure that everyone in the workplace is aware of the importance of safety and that everyone is following the same protocols to keep themselves and their coworkers safe.
• One of the key ways that millennials are promoting workplace safety is through their use of technology.

Investing in robust training programs allows Millennials and Gen Z to hone their skills, instilling trust and mastery while fortifying bonds with their peers.

For many of older individuals, taking personal risks is expected and synonymous with independence. Employers that wish to engage millennials and Gen Zers need to show them how they can make a difference in their present roles. No jobs are glamorous every minute of each day—an observation that especially applies to ensuring workplace safety. Despite this, taking small steps in the right direction as individuals keeps us all on the path to greatness. This approach has steadily improved working conditions for generations of Americans as healthy workplaces evolved. The growing emphasis on psychological safety is one of the key differences in how Millennials and Gen Z view workplace safety.

CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth. By submitting this form you give Columbia Southern University consent to call, text and email you at the information above, including your wireless number if provided, regarding educational services. They just started entering the U.S. workforce in large numbers during 2014. Nostalgia is driving a unique segment of millennial travel in 2025, Daniel Batchelor, the vice president of global corporate marketing and communications at Amadeus, told Newsweek. “Millennials love the flexibility of exploring on their own while also tapping into the camaraderie, safety and convenience of a travel group and local guide,” Cappel explained. Solo travel remains a significant trend, Tara Cappel, founder of FTLO Travel, told Newsweek, noting that millennials are increasingly pursuing adventures independently.