Workshop Details

A1: Gen Z in the Workplace

Presented by Dr. Jenny Deranek, PhD, LAT, ATC & Michael Deranek, MSW, LCSW, CSAYP, CYC-P

Located at

Workshop Description

♦This session is appropriate for individuals in supervisory or executive leadership roles.

We all talk about how employees have changed and how challenging it can be to engage new generations in the workplace. But what (if anything) does “Gen Z” have to do with it? How about “Millennials”? Moreover, what can research tell us about how managers and administrators can adjust their approach? This workshop will offer information, some practical suggestions, and space to take a solution focused approach to workforce management in 2025.

Learning Objectives:  

Participants will:

• Gain a greater understanding of what the workforce looks like through the lens of "generations."
• Review best practices for how best to engage the new and emerging workforce.
• Discuss and brainstorm practical approaches that may work for your organization to engage Gen Z and others in your work.

Presenter Bios:

Dr. Jenny Deranek is Associate Dean of the Vera Z. Dwyer School of Health Sciences at Indiana University South Bend. Her research focuses on methods for engaging Generation Z in the classroom, and she is passionate about helping young adults connect professionally.

Mike Deranek is COO at Bashor Children’s Home and an adjunct faculty for the Indiana University School of Social Work. He has been with Bashor for eighteen years, IUSSW for ten, and is most definitely the lesser half.