The HBO series Industry is dedicated to showcasing the journey of graduate students competing for a limited number of full-time job opportunities as they prepare to present themselves on RIF Day to the company Pierpoint.
Generation Z employees are portrayed in this series as individuals in constant pursuit of approval while navigating the competitive landscape of corporate America, dealing with pressure from both their peers and superiors. Harper challenges the current state of the workforce by stating, “Mediocrity is too well hidden by parents with private tutors.” This show emphasizes the demand for meritocracy in the workplace, advocating for individuals to be judged based on their abilities rather than their backgrounds and connections.
While this series depicts art imitating real life, it explores themes such as toxic learned behaviors, the minority experience, substance use, mental health challenges, and workplace scandals. Let’s dive into the themes highlighted by this series.
The Woman Experience
The series explores the dynamics of representing a marginalized demographic within corporate America. For instance, Kenny embodies the male managers who feel the need to undermine their female colleagues by questioning their abilities.
However, throughout the last episodes of the initial season, Sara advocates for placing more women in positions of power. This advocacy gives Harper the chance to implement change for the future of women within the company. Sara contrasts different forms of leadership with the ideologies of the “invisible man” and the “visible woman.”
She describes her journey as a woman within the company as a continuous struggle to ensure that men, who exercise exaggerated forms of control, do not have the opportunity to make “unilateral decisions in airless rooms.” This series questions the status quo and examines the challenges women face due to underrepresentation and undervaluation in corporate America.
Mental Health
The importance of mental health is highlighted throughout the series, showcasing how many graduates cope with the pressures of the workforce. This illustrates the Generation Z worker as someone who may suppress their feelings to stay competitive.
Both Hari and Harper frequently stay up for extended periods to complete their assignments, consuming drugs to mask the signs of being overworked, all in a quest for validation of their worth within the company.
Hari’s heavy consumption of study drugs, specifically modafinil, results in his death from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Following this tragedy, Yasmin and Harper realize that while the adrenaline rush of striving for success can be invigorating, it should not come at the cost of their mental health or foster anxiety regarding their superiors.
Drugs, Sex, and Addiction
The series is filled with situations involving colleagues, friends, and old classmates, showcasing both sides of inappropriate work-related relationships.
Throughout the show, Harper, Robert, Yasmin, and Gus engage in self-medication through drugs and alcohol to decompress from work pressures. However, Robert witnesses the highs and lows of his superior’s balance with drugs and success.
Industry illustrates the causes and effects of introducing sex, lies, and scandals into any dynamic.
Toxic Learned Behavior
A key theme highlighted in this series is the negative impact of toxic learned behavior. Lucianda and Kenny, who are overly critical, learn to evaluate their attitudes and recognize the importance of acceptance and relaxation.
In contrast, Clement and Eric represent an older generation of supervisors who take pride in emphasizing the necessity of hazing employees through intense criticism and exaggerated disciplinary communication. As time goes on, Yasmin reflects on how trauma has influenced her comfort in the workplace and begins to emulate Kenny’s toxic behavior towards Venetia.
This show illustrates that habits formed from toxic behavior can hinder the future environment of the workplace.
The Minority Experience
Harper and Hari represent graduate students who exceed job qualifications through relentless ambition but lack the resources needed to sustain an opportunity.
Despite falsifying her transcripts, Harper convinces her superiors to evaluate her based on her skills. Eric states that “hunger is not a birthright,” emphasizing that qualifications alone should not dictate hiring decisions.
However, Gus symbolizes the hyper-intelligent minority Gen Z worker who struggles with self-worth, occasionally devaluing his peers. After Hari’s death, he finds himself on the opposite end of favoritism and is used as a token in a new department.
A new generation of traders is represented by Danny and Venetia, who advocate for the rights of Gen Z workers and prioritize meaningful work relationships. This symbolizes a new era where both employers and employees must take strong stances to create a positive impact on the work environment.
Competitive Nature
The series highlights the competitive nature prevalent in the workforce.
Following Hari’s death, Harper is pushed to enhance her business ambition with a potential client, successfully landing a deal that earns her recognition from Eric Tao. She overhears colleagues discussing the idea that companies should avoid hiring those who feel the need to overcompensate due to inadequacies, which includes remarks about Harper’s ethnicity and school choice.
Daria represents the competitive Gen Z manager who is both competitive and willing to guide graduates with potential. However, she is seen giving encouraging advice to Yasmin on how to advocate for herself but sometimes discourages Harper from using that same ambition, recognizing the favoritism that Eric shows her.
Industry highlights the competitive nature of the workforce, but the key takeaway is that success doesn’t require deceitful tactics.
The Privileged
In this series, Greg represents the Generation Z worker who remains privileged and sheltered while yearning to be actualized.
A key takeaway from this series is the importance of prioritizing self-care. It’s essential not to get caught up in suppressing feelings or relying on drugs for comfort. There are healthy ways to decompress that everyone can explore. To foster real change, we need to alter the culture surrounding how we handle adversity.