The Young Professionals Network (YPN) workshop, “From Energy Eater to Energy Giver,” showcased the immense potential of the youngest generation in driving innovation within the workplace. Held on May 22, 2024, just before the FINAT European Label Forum 2024 in Athens, Greece, this interactive workshop emphasized the pivotal role of young professionals in transforming outdated processes into efficient and attractive systems for both junior and senior employees.

Harnessing the Power of Generation Z
One of the key focuses of the workshop was understanding the unique strengths of the youngest generation (both Gen Z and Millennials) in the workplace. Gen Z is characterized by its innovative spirit and readiness to challenge the status quo, while the Millennials, who are now moving into mid-level positions, are known for their strong drive to shape their own work forms with room for (personal) development. With guidance and support from more experienced colleagues, both Gen Z and Millennials can leverage their innovative drive to rejuvenate processes and energize the organizational environment.

The workshop explored several essential themes:

• The Strength of Gen Z & Millennials: Identifying and harnessing the intrinsic strengths of this young generation.
• Approach to Energy Eaters: Developing strategies to recognize and transform energy-draining aspects of work into energizing ones.
• Practical Tools: Equipping participants with tools to manage resistance and optimize processes innovatively.

Practical Insights and Exercises
Participants engaged in team exercises designed to spark creativity and foster collaboration. The workshop highlighted the importance of energy boosters, such as new challenges, collaboration, learning new skills, trust, and having a significant impact. These elements were identified as crucial for maintaining high energy levels across different generations within the workplace.

Conversely, common energy drainers, such as simple and repetitive tasks, fear of change, micromanagement, unproductive meetings, and unnecessary emails, were also discussed. Practical solutions were proposed, including ensuring meetings have clear purposes, defined agendas, and action points, as well as employing a timekeeper to prevent overruns.

Social Innovation and Job Rotation
A notable highlight of the workshop was the exploration of social innovation, where Gen Z drives innovation, and Millennials support and implement these changes. Participants had to build their dream organizations and pitch these organizations to their peers. They were motivated to also organize similar exercises within their own teams, first receiving feedback from senior colleagues, and then presenting their concepts to the whole team, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. The dream organization that won the final exercise was an organization including a factory built on a cruise ship that traveled the world while working. All employees had to rotate jobs every six weeks to ensure everyone understood every facet of the organization. There was also a huge learning and development department where employees constantly tried to improve the work processes. They also worked four days a week, leaving enough time to explore the world while working. Even though we do not see this happening in the near future, it did show how the youngest generation has a preference for innovation, learning new skills, and a flat organization with a very low hierarchy.

Through the exercise, the concept of job rotation was also discussed as a positive and motivational booster that would create more understanding among teams and higher involvement of new employees. It is interesting to see how associations such as FINAT can assist in that. A Dutch association for waste and cleaning services runs a successful traineeship for young professionals. This programme offers company visits, industry education, training in the circular economy, group exercises, and personal development, demonstrating how associations can play a crucial role in nurturing young talent. The trainees work at a member company four days a week, and the fifth day is reserved for these training elements run via the association.

FINAT: A Community for Young Professionals
FINAT events, such as the European Label Forum, underscore the association’s commitment to being a central hub for young professionals in the label industry and uniquely make sure that newcomers are welcomed. These events provide a platform for like-minded individuals to connect, share experiences, and discuss industry challenges in a safe and open environment. The relationships formed at FINAT events often extend throughout participants’ careers, making FINAT a unique place not only for professional growth but also for building lifelong friendships.

Supporting the Next Generation
Following the success of the YPN workshop, FINAT is looking to further support newcomers and young professionals within the label industry. Initiatives such as coaching and personal development programmes are being considered to ensure that the next generation of professionals is well-equipped to lead the industry into the future.

In conclusion, the YPN workshop demonstrated the added value of FINAT to young professionals by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and network needed to drive innovation and foster a thriving workplace. With continued support and development opportunities, young professionals within the FINAT community are well-positioned to lead the industry toward a bright and dynamic future.