If you want to fix a productivity problem, fill the room with Gen Z.
- Phil D'Adamo
- Aug 22, 2025
- 1 min read
Updated: Sep 3, 2025
I’ve been following the reporting from the 𝘌𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘤 𝘙𝘦f𝘰𝘳𝘮 𝘙𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦, and it was good to hear the Treasurer say he feels “more optimistic about the progress we can make together than I was at the start.” Because let’s face it: Australia’s productivity challenge isn’t just an economic issue, it’s a living standards issue.
Yes, I get that roundtables are often about creating “permission” for reform down the track. But let’s be honest: is that inspiring the next generation? I have two Gen Zs in my family, and I don’t see much change landing with them to be honest.
Which raises the real question: why aren’t we putting Gen Z at the table when the issues directly shaping their future are being discussed? Productivity. Intergenerational equity. Climate. The whole lot.
I’ve been reading 𝐆𝐞𝐧 𝐙, 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 (Roberta Katz, Sarah Ogilvie, Jane Shaw, Linda Woodhead) and a few things stand out:
• They are the first generation never to know a world without the internet.
• They’ve had to navigate the digital world without much guidance from elders.
• They’re self-drivers who care about others.
• They’re highly collaborative and social.
• They’re disillusioned by the past, with a no-nonsense attitude about the present.
• And perhaps most importantly, they are fighting for our humanity.
So yes, it’s encouraging that the Treasurer left the roundtable optimistic.
But imagine if he filled the room with Gen Z voices.
Cartwheels, I suspect.
What do you think – are we underestimating Gen Z in solving Australia’s productivity challenge?
