The importance of engaging today’s youth to build tomorrow’s world

According to the 2023 Future of Jobs report, more than 75 percent of companies are looking to adopt transformative technology such as artificial intelligence, big data and cloud computing in the next five years. With young people expected to support the charge in digital adoption and innovation, organizations have both a responsibility and a need to nurture and support them in the workplace.

Simply recruiting the next generation, however, is not enough. Enabling them to make a positive difference and allowing them to contribute their unique ”digital native” view of the world is critical. And given what has been termed the ”great unretirement,” with an increasing number of workers either needing or choosing to work beyond typical retirement age, there are now potentially five generations in today’s workplace. Integrating every generation, so they can thrive and learn from each other, is paramount.

At Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich), we are enabling the next generation to make a positive difference through a range of partnerships and programs. Our sustainable approach to work supports our people to get the most from their careers, expand their skills and deliver what customers need – both now and in the future.

“I am proud that Zurich Insurance is investing in the next generation and supporting them to learn, grow and innovate for a prosperous and sustainable future,” says Jolanda Grob, Group Chief People Officer at Zurich. “Together we can provide a better experience for younger generations, creating bridges between today’s context and the skills needed for tomorrow’s world.”

Attracting the next generation

Zurich’s NextGen population (individuals born after 1981) continues to grow as Gen Z increasingly enters the workforce. In 2023, 52 percent of the workforce was comprised of NextGen employees, which contributed 74 percent of new hires compared to 68 percent in 2022. Zurich continues to place significant emphasis on supporting apprenticeship, trainee and internship programs, employing more than 1,200 apprentices, trainees and interns each year globally.

In 2023, Zurich North America (ZNA) expanded its well-established apprentice program to include a path toward obtaining a bachelor’s degree. To date, ZNA has hired over 350 apprentices, some of whom come to the program directly from U.S. high schools. Others are military veterans, career changers or career restarters. For graduates, ZNA offers several foundational training programs in areas like underwriting, claims and finance, as an entry point to grow their careers within Zurich.

Zurich Spain supports youth employability through the Employment Skills Pass (EMPASS) certificate, a European qualification offered in collaboration with JA Worldwide, aimed at helping young people acquire skills needed to succeed in the workplace of the future. Topics covered include effective communications, teamwork, problem solving, empathy, creativity and leadership, with the program delivered through a combination of theoretical modules, practical exercises and online assessments.

"We’re committed to the employability of young people and to initiatives that promote their professional and personal development,” says Santiago Insula Martos, Director of Human Resources and Corporate Responsibility in Zurich Spain. “Participation in the EMPASS project is a new milestone that reflects our support for adolescents and young people."

Another award winning Zurich apprenticeship program is in the UK. Apprentices are recruited as permanent employees, with various levels of qualification on offer, depending on the chosen pathway. Once on-board, apprentices enjoy a range of benefits, plus full support from their line manager and tutors. They are also assigned a ”buddy” who is usually a former apprentice – with the option to have an international buddy too! This program was recognized at the 2024 Institute of Student Employers Awards alongside training partner Wildhearts Talent, for giving apprentices the opportunity to directly influence and impact Sustainable Development Goals, whilst developing their business skills.

Young Professional programs at Zurich Switzerland help to provide a diverse talent pipeline that meets business needs and enables Gen Z employees to make a positive contribution. They typically join Zurich at one of three stages – upon leaving school at 16 as an apprentice or 18 as a high school graduate, or after university as a trainee. Whichever path is taken, they are fully supported throughout their learning journey and empowered to tackle tasks in their own way and find their own solutions.

Power in partnerships

Zurich is a member of the Global Alliance for YOUth (GA4Y) – a coalition of 25 companies working together to help young people find jobs, thrive at work, or start their own companies. According to International Labor Organization (ILO) research, youth unemployment levels remain higher than pre-pandemic, with 23 percent of young people aged 18-24 who were working pre-pandemic now unemployed. With many who are employed having reported reductions in hours and income. And yet, young employees bring fresh ideas, new perspectives, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. GA4Y member companies have created over 40 million development opportunities for youth worldwide in the last four years.

The Z Zurich Foundation, a charitable foundation established by members of the Zurich Insurance Group, is also supporting. It has formed a partnership with JA Worldwide and other members of its network to build a brighter future for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders, helping to equip them with employment and entrepreneurship skills they need now – and in the future. JA Worldwide is one of the world’s largest and most-impactful youth-serving NGOs, reaching more than 15 million young people each year through over 400,000 teachers and business volunteers in over 100 countries.

The Zurich Innovation Championship is an annual opportunity for global startups to co-create new value propositions that deliver innovative services and products. While this isn’t exclusive to the younger generation, many of the applications received are from founders and organizations with employees who fall within this bracket.

Sustainable employment

Within Zurich’s internal learning environment, several technical academies exist to empower employees of all ages to continue to learn new skills that are core to our business. Underwriting, Claims, Risk, Compliance, Customer, Sustainability and Digital Transformation are just some of the award-winning academies currently on offer globally, with additional local academies available too. These are a key element of our commitment towards securing the long-term employability of all Zurich employees.

Early-in-career programs are successful in recognizing internal talent and developing future skills in preparation for potential leadership positions. During 2023, in Ireland, 18 employees completed such a program, and in the UK, a Sustainable Energy Graduate and Internship program was added to address the gap for sustainable energy skills.

However, innovative new programs are not reserved exclusively for the young. ZNA has recently launched a program to support a collaborative and flexible retirement, enabling a smooth transition of knowledge, skills and relationships from those approaching retirement back into the rest of the organization. These and Zurich’s many other internal development programs enable us to continue to prioritize internal over external hires, wherever possible.