Emerging Gen Z*  

Generation Z—defined as the generation born from 1997 to 2012—is coming into focus. As their role in the workforce expands, gen Z’s approach to work will shape and be shaped by shifting workplace requirements and new technologies, including artificial intelligence. They are the most diverse generation in American history. Due to their demographics and concerns, gen Z will bring new attitudes toward education, work, family, and life priorities.  

Empowered Women 

In many countries, changing workplace needs, women’s educational advances, and the reduction of discrimination are resulting in more women at the top of their professions. Associations have a unique and important role to play in promoting women in the workplace and making their presence visible. Gender equity discussions are important considerations in policy decisions and external communication. 

Empowering the New Workforce 

New structures are emerging to support workers’ rights and protections in the face of economic change. Workers are confronting structural changes—automation, the gig economy, globalization, and the decline of unions—that are generally shifting the balance of power in favor of employers. Now, driven by innovative startups, a handful of political initiatives, and workers themselves, new solutions are emerging—including from associations, which can both contribute to and benefit from this movement. 

Immigration-Driven Demography 

Immigration will remain the central driver of American population growth and diversity for decades to come, reshaping not only demographics but also values and attitudes. For associations, this creates a more diverse membership with more varied ideas, expectations, and needs. 

The Next-Gen Professionals  

Millennials are now the largest generational cohort in the workforce, and generation Z is right behind them. These next-gen professionals are the future of associations and, contrary to some conventional wisdom, they are willing to both join and stay with organizations that meet their career development needs. Organizations will need to provide the kinds of training, mentoring, content, and other services that next-gen professionals value most, encouraging engagement that leads to loyalty. 

Shrinking Youth Populations 

In many countries, birthrates have been falling for decades, with births in a growing list of countries—now including the United States—under the population replacement rate. Having fewer young people presents challenges to societies: a smaller workforce, fewer students in the educational system, and shifts in population geography. More countries will have to meet the needs of rising senior populations with fewer youth to support them. 

Volunteering 

Cultural, demographic, and technological changes are altering volunteer expectations and experiences in an increasingly dynamic and digital organizational environment. Associations and nonprofits are experimenting with more flexible roles and structures to support collaboration and contribution.