There are many aspects of the next generation that I love, and in my view, I’m not entirely sure that they get the credit that they deserve. They are unshackling themselves from labels and stereotypes that damaged and limited the older generations, and whilst no generation is perfect, in my view they are the first generation that are simply not that fussed about your sexuality or the colour of your skin, they judge people based on behaviours rather than outdated social rules and values. I am not sure there has ever been a larger social polarisation in relation to social acceptance, than that between millennials and their grandparents in the Silent generation (veterans of WW2).

However, whilst I feel pride towards the generation behind me, I’m sure they don’t feel the same about the generations that preceded them. You only need to listen to Greta Thunberg’s incredible speech at the UN climate summit to realise their depth of feeling Greta Thunberg - You have stolen my childhood. They are unhappy about our willingness to accept the scale of damage that has been created, and the urgency and speed required to force change to save our natural habitat and way of life.

But, do the next generation really think that badly of us? To find out we engaged with a class of 11-year-olds at Cowdenbeath Primary School to understand if they really do think we’re not doing enough to protect their planet:


Feedback from Cowdenbeath Primary School

There is no doubt that we need to try harder, whatever we think we are doing, it clearly isn’t enough. The future generations are struggling to forgive us for the health of the planet they are set to inherit.

We also thought it would be fun to ask the class what working environment they want - How do they visualise their future workplace? What would attract them? As the feedback below shows, if we want to attract this generation we need to perhaps reprioritise and plan space that aligns to body, soul and conscience.

So, what can we do to meet the demands of the future generations?

First thing on the agenda needs to be your Sustainability Strategy

If you think of Corporate Social Responsibility as a tick-box exercise, not only do you need to click the link to Greta’s speech and take a listen, you are also missing a trick. CSR is a pivotal strategic requirement to ensure you are futureproofing your business. Sustainability touches everything you do – from client and staff engagement to profitability, efficiency, process, supply chain management, policy. The list goes on. A clear strategy with sound foundations, measurements, targets and goals not only recalibrates your way of thinking, it also provides a framework to create a business that is fit for the future – hopefully thriving, not just surviving. And, one in which Generation Z will want to work for.

Innovation & Leadership is a Morris & Spottiswood Corporate Business Goal

Without innovation and leadership that prioritises and invests, as a business you run the very real danger of simply being left behind, and not meeting the needs of your clients, your staff and the community around you. We are currently investing heavily in Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, prefabrication and modularisation - an area inextricably linked with sustainability. We want to drive quality, save time, improve safety and design, reduce cost and hit our sustainability targets. It takes investment, time, effort and vision, but is an initiative that meets the needs of our clients and the demands of future generations.

Training and Developing the Next Generation

One of the most obvious ways to meet the demands of the next generation, is to engage with them and bring them into the team. Our construction ambassadors engage with people of all ages, but particularly school leavers to encourage them into the industry. We support study for formal qualifications (both academic and to support health and well-being), developmental experience, work experience, university placements and mentoring. Learning and development is encouraged for everyone at every level to enhance skills, quality of life, talent and potential. But most importantly, the next generation, who prioritise sustainability, can bring energy, urgency and new ideas to the table.

In the here and now, we need to change our behaviours and lead by example. From Skyping rather than travelling, and maximising sustainable design solutions at work, to remembering to switch your computer monitor off at night, and bring in your reusable water bottle in the morning.

So, Greta and Primary 7 Cowdenbeath Primary School, thank you for keeping us on our toes and laying down the gauntlet. At Morris & Spottiswood, we are listening, and we are acting with sustainability high on our agenda.