Workers’ Day: HR leaders, Gen Z debate future of work at NECA House summit
Industry stakeholders in human resources, workplace culture and management converged at NECA House on May 1, 2026, for a high-level engagement on the future of work, with discussions centred on
Industry stakeholders in human resources, workplace culture and management converged at NECA House on May 1, 2026, for a high-level engagement on the future of work, with discussions centred on generational dynamics, workplace transformation and evolving professional expectations.
HR GEMS Coaching Network organised an event that brought together thought leaders, executives, and young professionals to discuss shifts in the modern workplace. A key highlight was a debate session between Generation Z participants and older professionals, which spotlighted both tensions and opportunities for collaboration.
Speakers at the forum included Charles Okeibunor, Funke Amobi, Taiwo Dayo-Abatan, Leslie George and Kunbi Adeoti.
During a panel session, Chuey Chu underscored the need for bold decision-making and self-belief, particularly among younger professionals navigating a competitive and uncertain job market. He noted that the insights shared transcended generational boundaries.
“I am here not just to speak but to learn. The ideas shared apply to anyone seeking growth,” he said, urging participants to act decisively without waiting for validation.
He stressed that innovation often requires stepping outside conventional approval structures. “You have your life to live—take your chances. You cannot wait for permission to grow,” he added.
Also speaking, Iphie Chuks-Adizue highlighted the widening gap between workforce entrants and available jobs across Africa. She noted that while about 11 million young Africans become job-ready annually, only three to four million jobs are created.
“Africa has a huge youth population. The challenge is converting that potential into opportunity,” she said, calling for creativity, resilience and sustained effort.
She further emphasised the importance of networking, warning that remote work culture could limit collaboration and growth if not properly managed.
“Scaling ideas requires people and partnerships. No one succeeds in isolation,” she said.
Convener of the event and founder of HR GEMS Coaching Network, Lara Yeku, described the forum as a timely intervention in response to rapid workplace changes.
She said the theme, “Workplace Transformation: A Client’s Call,” was designed to address evolving trends in how work is structured, executed and experienced in today’s economy.
“Clearly, the workplace is evolving, and today we gathered professionals, industry thought leaders, and young talent to have conversations around the changes happening in the workplace,” she said. According to her, the event featured research-driven discussions, expert insights, and interactive sessions to equip participants with actionable strategies for adapting to change.
She noted that one of the highlights of the event was the debate between Generation Z and older professionals, which she described as both engaging and insightful, offering participants a clearer understanding of generational expectations and workplace realities.
Addressing the often-discussed divide between younger and older workers, Yeku maintained that each generation brings unique strengths to the workplace. While younger professionals contribute creativity, energy, and innovation, older employees offer experience, structure, and institutional knowledge.
“Every generation brings its own value to the workplace,” she said, advocating for a more collaborative approach that harnesses the strengths of all age groups rather than framing the conversation as a competition.
In her closing remarks, she called for a collective commitment to driving meaningful change within organisations, urging both young and experienced professionals to take responsibility for shaping the future of work.
“Workplace transformation comes with a call for a sense of urgency, a call for personal commitment to start doing things differently,” she said.
The event ultimately underscored a shared consensus among stakeholders: the future of work will be defined not by generational rivalry, but by the ability of diverse groups to adapt, collaborate, and innovate in response to an ever-changing global landscape.
