Turning sceptics into changemakers:

The continual rise of sustainability practices, including decarbonization, is disrupting the natural resources sector. Countries around the world have committed to limit global warming to 1.5°C and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. To reach these goals, all areas of society will face significant transformation, affecting every part of the economy.

In addition, the natural resources industry is facing recruitment and talent pipeline challenges. With the "Great Resignation" trend, we're seeing employees leaving their jobs for opportunities that better meet their needs and expectations—including roles with more flexibility, work-life-balance, and that better align with their values.

The sector has an opportunity to lead the transition towards a net-zero carbon economy. However, shifting attitudes, particularly with younger generations, is undermining the industry's ability to succeed in a rapidly changing world. In response, BDO Global commissioned research across five major markets for natural resources—including Canada—to understand why Generation Z (Gen Z) is sceptical about a career in the industry, and to learn from the natural resources companies that have been most successful in navigating the challenging recruitment market.

Who is Gen Z?

Gen Z can be categorized as individuals born in the late 1990s or the first decade of the 21st century. According to BDOs research, Gen Z hold employers to high ethical standards, favouring factors such as work-life balance, diversity in the workplace, and positive social and environmental impact in their career decision-making.

Canadian companies underestimate the importance of purpose to Gen Z

The Canadian and global research highlights a gap between the career attributes perceived as most important to Gen Z and what natural resources companies believe are most important to this generation.

See below the key highlights from our Canadian research: