Culture in flux: rebuilding trust in a multi-generational workforce 

Culture has long been the glue holding health and care organisations together. But as generational expectations shift, and younger workers enter the sector with new values and digital habits, that glue is losing its stick. 

At a recent Compass Carter Osborne round table, HR leaders shared a growing concern: workplace culture is changing faster than leadership is adapting. It’s not just about tech. Today’s workforce wants purpose, flexibility and authenticity and they’re prepared to walk away if they don’t find it. Deloitte research shows 44% of Gen Zs and Millennials have left roles that lacked purpose. For a people-focused sector, this could be an advantage. But only if organisations listen and act. 

“The 20-somethings coming into the workplace are saying they trust AI more than they trust HR. That should be a wake-up call.” 

Clarity over popularity 

Many panellists voiced concern that leadership teams are clinging to outdated practices, relying on digital surveys and quick fixes over real conversations. Some warned against bending too far to meet popular trends. “I’ll take the risk that some employees might not want to work for us, we’d rather build the culture we believe in.”  The message? Culture should be set deliberately, not reactively. 

From custodian to creator 

HR’s role in culture is evolving. It’s not enough to measure sentiment. CPOs must now shape culture from the top, with a voice at the highest levels of leadership. “We are all adopting new technologies, but are we dehumanising our organisations in the process?”  To navigate this shift, organisations need leadership that listens, leads with purpose, and is ready to rethink how culture is built in a post-pandemic, digital-first world. 

In brief: 

• Younger workers expect purpose, flexibility and authenticity — and many don’t trust traditional hierarchies. 
• Health and care organisations must proactively define their culture, rather than chase trends. 
• HR leaders need to be empowered as strategic culture creators, not just custodians.

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