Dr. Josh Packard: GenZ Uncovered
Dr. Josh Packard: GenZ Uncovered
Trust, Diversity, and the Mental Health Crisis
Episode 1 of my interview with Dr. Josh Packard can be found here. The full episode is also available to listen below.
Dr. Josh Packard has been an expert on GenerationZ, and offered on the latest episode of the Tension Podcast some incredible insights and reminders for leaders and mentors of this next generation of leaders. Here are a few things I learned.
The Disconnect of Attendance vs. Belonging:
GenZ, despite being the most connected generation technologically, deeply struggles with institutional attachment. Whether it's church, workplace, or school, they don't necessarily feel a deep bond. A key reality is that unlike previous generations, attendance does not equal a sense of belonging.
Dr. Josh Packard: “[There is] a huge disconnect in what institutions think they're providing in terms of a space of belonging and what young people are actually experiencing.”
This is extremely important for leaders to understand as they seek to create workplaces where there is deep mistrust immediately in institutions and those who lead them.
The Shocking Reality of Loneliness
It's incredibly alarming to hear that the youngest generation is the most lonely, surpassing even the older age groups.
Dr. Josh Packard: “Every time we've done [research], administered this scale at a national level... it's always the oldest generation that's the loneliest. For the first time ever, it was the youngest. And not only was it the youngest, but their loneliness scores were off the charts."
Leaders have an opportunity, as noted below, to focus even more on cultivating powerful relationships amidst this growing epidemic.
The Power of Relationships Over Institutions
GenZ values authentic relationships over mere institutional ties. Their sense of belonging hinges significantly on the quality of these relationships. When organizations realize that these employees believe that institutions do not have their best interests in mind, they have to accept the burden of proof lies on the employer. Dr. Packard has noted that "young people now, in part because they want to show up as real and authentic to their friends, and because they care and are committed to a lot of these justice values, inclusion and diversity becomes almost a deal breaker. If my company isn't going to be this way, or if my organization or if my church can't commit to these things, I will not show up because I can't then turn back around to my peers and show up in a real authentic way with them and say, that's where I work."
Josh Packard: “Relationships with adults in those spaces are really what make the difference.”
As leaders and adults, we have a unique opportunity to step into young people's lives to make a tremendous difference.
The Mental Health Epidemic
There's a mounting concern regarding the mental health of the younger generation, exacerbated by the challenges posed by the pandemic. This situation is not getting any better, and we as leaders have to do something about it.
Josh Packard: “What was an emerging mental health concern for young folks before the pandemic is a full blown epidemic of its own. Major national organizations have declared this emergency."
In my own organization, this has looked like partnerships with Marketplace Chaplains.
A Generation Seeking Purpose
GenZ is yearning for clarity and purpose amidst a world filled with uncertainty, mistrust in institutions, and rampant mental health concerns.
Josh Packard: “When you start adding up a lot of the things that you and I have already talked about... you start to get a sense that there's a generation that's floating around without a clear sense of what they should be doing, who they are, what their role is in life."
These insights serve as a powerful reminder that while connectivity through technology has increased, true and real human bonds are still essential. I think this calls for institutions and individuals alike to re-evaluate and innovate ways to genuinely connect with the younger generation in ways we haven't considered before.
Key Links:
Cigna Study on Loneliness: An extensive study conducted by the health conglomerate Cigna, where they investigated the impact of chronic loneliness on 60,000 Americans aged 18 and above.
UCLA Loneliness Scale : A standard scale used for measuring and assessing loneliness and social isolation, which was referenced in the Cigna study.
Springtime's Series on Mental Health : An ongoing series dedicated to mental health and how organizations can foster mental health-friendly environments.
Josh Packard: A deeper exploration of the studies and findings presented by Josh Packard, offering insights into the world of Gen Z.
@TimSweetman: Tim Sweetman's official Twitter profile where listeners can get updates on the podcast, future guests, and more.
Tension Podcast Official Website: www.TensionPod.Com A hub for all episodes, guest information, and additional resources related to the topics discussed.
Podcast Editing: SmallPond Productions (Tell them Tim Sweetman sent you)