Beyond the Paycheck: Why Gen Z Is Choosing Employers That Care About Civics
As an intern at the IGC Institute, I had the incredible opportunity to be part of the "Civic at Work" event. Over lattes and breakfast tacos, attendees connected and discussed how companies can foster civic engagement among employees and consumers alike.
It was inspiring to hear insights from our esteemed panelists: Marjorie Clifton, a renowned political communications consultant and media commentator; Deirdre Walsh, executive director and founder of IGC Institute; Angelica Smith, senior director of corporate partnerships at Democracy Works; and Mollie Ferro-Hart, Director of Corporate Engagement at Civic Alliance.
Here are the top lessons from this inaugural event:
Why Your Workplace Can’t Ignore Civic Engagement
These days, civic engagement isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s something employees and consumers expect. People want to work for and buy from companies that stand for something. Offering time off to vote, providing credible civic info, or creating space for employees to engage in their communities isn’t just good PR; it actually boosts morale and loyalty.
I love being a part of an organization that sees civic engagement as part of its DNA, not just a trend to hop on. Businesses that take this seriously build trust, strengthen their reputations, and create a real impact.
Walking the Talk, Not Just Checking a Box
It’s one thing to say you care about civic engagement—it’s another to actually build it into your company culture. The best companies make it part of their values, not just a last-minute campaign when an election rolls around. That means having a plan, involving different teams (HR, comms, leadership), and making civic engagement a long-term priority.
For me, this makes a huge difference in how I feel about a brand. I don’t want to support a place where things like social issues are just a checkbox—I want to work somewhere that actually integrates it into the way they do business. The companies that take a proactive approach, instead of scrambling to react when big events happen, are the ones that get it right.
Team Up to Accomplish Greatness
One of the coolest things I’ve seen during my time at IGCI is how impactful partnerships can be. Companies don’t have to figure this out on their own—there are nonpartisan groups like IGCI, Democracy Works, and Civic Alliance that help businesses engage in meaningful, responsible ways.
Seeing this in action has been eye-opening. The companies that collaborate with experts instead of trying to reinvent the wheel are the ones making the biggest impact. These partnerships help businesses get the right resources, avoid missteps, and make sure their civic engagement efforts are legit, not performative.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
Civic engagement is always evolving, and workplaces need to keep up. Whether it’s new policies, shifts in voter participation, or the ever-present issue of misinformation, companies have to be ready to adapt. A big part of that is supporting media literacy—helping employees recognize misinformation and have informed, productive discussions.
I’ve recently realized just how important this skill is to have. Companies that prioritize media literacy and civics education aren’t just helping their employees—they’re strengthening our country.
Civic Engagement Isn’t Optional—It’s the Future
Civic engagement isn’t a “bonus” for businesses—it’s essential. The companies that invest in it will build trust, attract the best talent, and make a real difference.
Being part of this conversation at IGC has made me even more excited about finding a workplace that values civic responsibility. I like working somewhere that sees civics as a core part of who they are, not just an afterthought. And I know I’m not alone—more and more people in my generation care about working for companies that actually walk the talk.
So, if your business wants to stay relevant, it’s time to step up. Civic engagement isn’t just good for employees—it’s good for for your workplace and good for society. Let’s make it happen.