What My Son Taught Me About The Future Of Work

Forbes

02-06-2025

The next generation workforce in the age of AI
courtsey Redd Francisco
I asked my son, who is graduating from college in a few weeks, to join me on my podcast series (link here). It was a fun, and personal, conversation - but brought out a larger, broader insight: there is an entirely new generation of our future workforce coming in - and they grew up with AI.
This is the graduating class of 2025. They approach generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Cursor - not just to complete assignments - but to prototype ideas, streamline workflows, and write code more efficiently. For them, these tools aren't novelties; they're extensions of how they learn and solve problems. They think differently, work differently, and expect more from the companies they're about to join.
Reflecting on the conversation, it's obvious that their technology stack looks very different from ours; the applications they use reflect the evolving landscape of personal productivity, shaping how the next generation will operate in the workplace. What is also striking is their agility with AI - they don't get attached to a single tool or platform for life, instead, thrive in a dynamic environment where continuous learning and iteration are the norm - constantly trying, testing and evolving to the next. This adaptability - the willingness to experiment, learn, and adjust - is a hallmark of this generation.
And while they know not to blindly trust every AI-generated response, they also aren't discouraged by the occasional 'hallucinations.' Instead, they have learned to live with them, to work around them by truly understanding their own role as a human in the loop. It's a mindset that acknowledges both the promise and the limitations of AI - a balance that will be critical for organizations navigating this shift.
This new generation workforce have grown up in an era where AI isn't just a concept—it's a daily companion. They enter the workforce with an intuitive grasp of how technology can enhance productivity and creativity. Tools like large language models, low-code platforms, and automated assistants are second nature to them. Their mindset isn't 'Will AI help me do my job?' - it's 'How can we use AI to make this process better, faster, and more impactful?' This creates a fascinating contrast with many in the existing workforce - while we've been debating the potential of AI and cautiously experimenting with its applications, this new workforce expects AI to be embedded, accessible, and essential. And that's not a gap to be feared - it's an opportunity to accelerate transformation.
This influx of digitally fluent, AI-native talent is a real opportunity for organizations. It's a chance to rethink not just how we work - but how we lead, manage, and empower teams. The companies that will thrive aren't the ones trying to retrofit AI into legacy processes; it will be the ones willing to embrace new workflows, delegate more decision-making to automated systems, and create space for innovation at every level. And it isn't just about technology; this is about culture. It's about fostering an environment where fresh ideas are not just heard but celebrated, where employees can challenge norms and contribute to building smarter, more agile businesses. For those of us in leadership, this is a pivotal moment - the newest members of our workforce aren't waiting for permission to use AI, they're bringing it with them.
The good news is this shift gives us a chance to leap forward, to move beyond incremental improvements and embrace true transformation. It challenges us to think bigger about what our companies can achieve when we empower people with the tools and the mindset to innovate. But more importantly, it's a call to honor the human spirit behind the technology - to empower people with the tools and culture they need to thrive.
So as we welcome this new generation of our youngest workforce across our corporations, let's ask ourselves: Are we ready to match their expectations? And create workspaces that don't just accommodate AI but are built for it? Because the future isn't something we're waiting for. It's already here – and walking in through our doors with the now-graduating class of digitally-fluent talent that just happened to grow up with AI.