On March 7, 2025, the Olympic House auditorium in Colombo became a hub of insightful discussion as industry leaders, students of the MSc Business Psychology Programme awarded by the prestigious London Metropolitan University, and professionals came together for the event “Bridging the Generational Gap: Understanding and Influencing Gen Z.” This highly relevant and timely event explored one of the most pressing challenges in today’s workplace—how to effectively engage, inspire, and retain Gen Z employees.
The event featured four outstanding master’s students from the Business Psychology programme, who presented their in-depth research on Gen Z’s workplace behavior, leadership expectations, and engagement drivers. Their findings set the stage for a thought-provoking panel discussion with industry experts, offering actionable insights for businesses and leaders striving to bridge the generational divide.
Decoding Gen Z: Insights from Student Research
The Gen Z Dilemma Unpacked
Presented by Shaakya Nathavitharana & Dhinushka Ranasinghe, this delved into what makes Gen Z distinct from previous generations. The presenters explored the values, motivations, and challenges that shape Gen Z’s approach to work, highlighting key factors that drive their engagement and retention within organizations. Their research highlights the significance of purpose-driven work, inclusivity, and technological integration in attracting and retaining Gen Z talent.
Transformational Coaching: A Catalyst for Leadership Evolution
With workplaces evolving rapidly, leaders must also adapt. Roshantha Jayatunge’s research examined how transformational coaching can help leaders develop the mindset and skills needed to guide Gen Z and Gen Alpha effectively. His findings underscored the importance of coaching in fostering leadership agility and reducing resistance to change.
Coaching Gen Z: Cultivating Trust and Safety in the Digital Age
In a world where digital interactions are the norm, how can organizations build trust and engagement with Gen Z? Sulakshani Perera’s research shed light on the significance of digital coaching, cultural intelligence, and psychological safety in mentoring young professionals. She highlighted the need for organizations to embrace technology while ensuring human connection remains at the core of coaching strategies.
Panel Discussion: Industry Experts Weigh In
The student presentations seamlessly transitioned into an engaging panel discussion featuring industry professionals – Kaushal Mendis – Chief Human Resources Officer of Daraz Pakistan & Sri Lanka (Alibaba Group), Dulari Ranasinghe – Counselling Psychologist and Founder of Mind Leap Counselling Services, and Sampath Thrimavithana – Chairman of ICT Industry Skills Council and Founder of Sponge Global, moderated by NEXT MSc Business Psychology Alumni – Chamindri Pilimatalauwe, Vice President / Head of Marketing – Softlogic Life.
The panel discussion explored how businesses can build stronger relationships with Gen Z employees and create workplace cultures that align with their values. Panelists shared real-world experiences and best practices, highlighting key insights. They emphasized that corporate culture plays a crucial role, as Gen Z seeks workplaces that reflect their personal values, prioritizing inclusivity, purpose-driven work, and ethical leadership. Adaptability is essential, with businesses needing to evolve in areas like workplace flexibility, mental health support, and work-life balance to meet Gen Z’s expectations. Additionally, mentorship emerged as a powerful tool for retention, with structured programs, clear career pathways, and regular feedback fostering continuous learning and growth opportunities for Gen Z talent.
As the event drew to a close, Chairman of NEXT Education Group, Dr Dusty Alahakoon, presented a heartfelt tribute and token of appreciation to Dr Hazel Messenger, Academic Liaison Tutor for the MSc Business Psychology programme at the London Metropolitan University, in recognition of her invaluable contributions to NEXT Campus and London Met over the years.
The event underscored a crucial reality—businesses that fail to understand and adapt to Gen Z’s unique needs risk losing the next generation of leaders. As industries continue to evolve, bridging the generational gap is no longer optional; it’s a necessity, and corporate should be open to evolving as the newer generations- not just Gen Z, but Gen Alpha etc. enter the workforce. By embracing change, fostering inclusive cultures, and rethinking leadership strategies, organizations can not only attract but also empower the new generations to thrive in the workplace.
With insightful discussions and actionable takeaways, this event served as a catalyst for meaningful change, equipping businesses with the knowledge and tools to build a future-ready workforce.
We’d like to thank the NEXT Team, and our Senior Lecturer Ruwandi Perera, for organizing the second edition of the LEARNING ZONE 2025 and to everyone who was a part of making this event a success!
