A joint initiative between St Paul’s Cathedral and Cumberland Lodge.
Questions of intergenerational (in)justice centred on economic precarity, technological innovation, shifting social boundaries, and existential threats such as climate change, are impacting on young people’s expectations of their future. Yet while Gen Z express personal and social values that enable them to navigate the 21st century this has implications for the workplace where, for the first time, there can be four generations working together.
In response to this moment of change, St Paul’s Cathedral and Cumberland Lodge have launched a research action partnership to explore the values shaping Gen Z and how these are expressed in workplace practices. The project seeks to better understand the implications of these shifts for the corporate, social, and creative sectors across the City of London.
Drawing on St Paul’s long-standing connections within the City, alongside Cumberland Lodge’s expertise in convening thoughtful dialogue around ethical and social challenges, the partnership takes an in-depth look at how values are evolving across generations. It considers how these changes are influencing workplace behaviours, attitudes, recruitment, retention, and leadership cultures.
The first phase of the project launched in 2024 with the publication of an initial report, accompanied by a panel discussion at St Paul’s Cathedral focused on intergenerational change. Building on this foundation, the second phase brings the research into practice.
Our 2025 pilot
In 2025, we ran our first pilot workshop at Cumberland Lodge, bringing together senior leaders and early career professionals from organisations including A&O Shearman and Lloyds Banking, among others. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with participants valuing both the depth of insight and the practical relevance of the discussions.
Many left with a clearer understanding of generational values and concrete ideas they could take back into their organisations. As one participant reflected, the workshop “provided me with deep insights into intergenerational differences, workplace values, and the skills and mindset required to lead in the future of work”. Another described it as “an incredible event—highly relevant and engaging”, adding that they felt inspired to implement actionable ideas to support intergenerational collaboration.
Recruiting for 2026
We are now recruiting participants for our retreat in October 2026. We are keen to hear from senior managers and leaders navigating changing workplace cultures, as well as early career professionals who bring fresh perspectives to established structures. More information is available from the flyer below.
If you are interested in taking part, or know someone who might be, please contact programmeteam@cumberlandlodge.ac.uk.