In this century, we are experiencing profound changes in the job market, from the dominance of the use of digital tools to the growth, with the pandemic, of the so-called telework. The impact on everyone's lives was vast.

Adapting to changes has been more difficult for the so-called analogue generations, who have to deal with paradigms they did not have in their training, but the younger ones also face new challenges, especially related to entering the job market.

At the end of March, Instituto Coca-Cola, ETCO and Cufa – Central Única das Favelas held a Live on this topic: Ethics, Youth and the World of Work with the participation of young people who have been looking to get their first job. . It became clear that professional training, the incorporation of technology, the understanding of how the organizational structure of companies works, the sense of responsibility and innovation are important factors, but the behavior, the rules of coexistence start to be demanded in both directions: from market with young people and young people with companies. The questions show that attitudes, previously not so considered, have become decisive.

Young people want to know what possibilities they will have for their professional development; if the company encourages participation, giving freedom to express their opinion; if the schedule is flexible, finally, through a better balance between personal and professional life, aspects related to happiness are presented. It is interesting to note that in a survey carried out by Linkedin, the answers related to money (salary increase, earning more than your friends) were at a lower level.

This is the portrait of the positioning of young people, as by the companies, there is also a concern about the posture of young people in relation to values ​​and principles, practices related to professional practice can be taught, but understanding what is right, honesty, character , respect must be seen as an attitude that precedes work skills.

In fact, this understanding of ethical values ​​was demonstrated in the national survey carried out by ETCO/Datafolha on the perception of ethics by young people, where these questions were pointed out when they think about what it means to be ethical.

This view of ethics in the labor market was also attested in another survey carried out by the Eureca consultancy, indicating that young people consider that ESG metrics should be respected by companies, thus defending the environment, issues related to inclusion, diversity , governance, anti-corruption are charged.

In this aspect, there is a clear convergence, young people and companies are increasingly moving towards new postures and purposes, seeking a healthier, more ethical and welcoming work environment, strengthening their identity and the satisfaction of belonging to the organization.

The data presented in these researches are interesting indications of the moment we are living, of the need to face new postures, in a clear sense of the evolution of behaviors and requirements.

Constant adaptation is necessary, the dogmatic posture has become outdated, the exercise of values ​​has become the rule.

This reality, on the one hand, demonstrates a sense of progress in expectations, on the other, it arouses my concern, as we realize, not only in Brazil, but throughout the world, that leaderships, especially in the political sphere, do not show that they are aligned with this moment that presents itself as disruptive, the old is left behind, but the new has not yet been consolidated, the discourse needs to be put into practice.

It is not without reason that the young man has shown a distance from politics. He does not see in our institutions a commitment to the standards they defend, which do not share his worldview. This is nothing new, the youth always questioned the status quo, however, they identified in the exercise of politics an action that could make changes possible, hence the student movement. Today, however, I see a disillusionment, a dismay with the exercise of politics as an effective pact with the public interest.

Our obligation, as social and business organizations, is clear, we have to defend a clear attitude of defense and practice of values ​​that strengthen our purpose and involve the youngest. They point out what they want, we need to pave the way, to help reach the common destiny.