What can we learn from Gen Z and how we can help them to find their place at work?
Gen Z is bringing a fresh perspective to the world of work and we’re all for it.
Gen Z in the workplace is different to any previous generations.
They're more empathetic and open-minded. As the first fully digital native generation, having grown up with extensive access to information, they’ve experienced transparency and inclusion in movements fighting racism, discrimination, sexual harassment, and climate change. This is why a workplace that promotes inclusion, diversity, and positive work culture is essential for them.
With 25% of the existing workforce comprised of Generation Z (and growing) how do organisations navigate this emerging new multi-generation of work?
Unsurprisingly, Generation Z is the most racially and ethnically diverse cohort of workers in western history. Born between 1996-2015 and known for creativity and independence, they are influencing workplace cultures through rich ambition for whole of life experience.
Thriving within collaborative and creative environments Gen Z value eco-systems supportive of richer career and life experiences.
Gen Z seem to be the generation born with innate traits to adopt to the ways of working most companies are grappling with today. Organisations that can evolve and transparently share the company direction (including problems or challenges) are more likely to retain Gen Z employees than those that don’t.
How does the workplace support this multi-generational transition?
Communication—Deepened Organisational Connection
Having grown up in an era where information is readily accessible, they are more aware than ever of social injustices and economic disparities. They are passionate to know and understand company strategy, direction, and performance.
Organisations that include engage and transparently share company direction (including problems or challenges) are more likely to retain Gen z employees than those that don’t.
To help build trust and a stronger connection, information sharing is critical.
Recognising the distributed patterns of many employees today, Gen Z identify with the primary purpose of successful workplaces shifting to immersive brand bases which provide opportunity for deeper organisational connection. Amenity supportive of planned and spontaneous communication and coming together / messaging and bringing people together for town hall, team or line manager engagement.
Visibility, accessibility, and the voice of leadership is increasingly desired and in today’s world expected to be amplified. Providing confidence, insight towards the overarching business direction and equally, clarity of individual roles and expectations.
Aligned In Values—Ethics Equality & Equity
Gen Z is the generation most aware of social issues and highly motivated and prepared to work for purpose driven objectives.
Seeking of inclusivity, diversity and fairness they value equal representation and believe in the opportunities and potential realised through collaboration and teamwork. They respond to environments supportive of teamwork and collaboration and which promote opportunity to bring cross functional teams together. Innate in the adoption of agile ways of working, empowered teams are informing business decisions and more responsive to servicing clients. Highly motivated by environments which recognise opportunity of bringing diverse groups of people together for creative and innovative purpose, Gen Z is being recognised for influencing business outcomes.
Gen Z employees seek engagement with organisations that demonstrate through actions and behaviours they are making a meaningful positive commitment and impact on society (not just box ticking) and embrace deeper and enduring values as part of the overall workplace experience. The physical environment being reflective of a meaningful commitment to environmental performance through operational practice, materiality and product and behaviours promoting of environmental initiatives.
Transparency of business decisions weighted and assessed inclusive of ESG objectives are highly valued as is optimising the effective use of an environment accessible to social or community groups aligned to business purpose or beliefs.
The physical environment serves as an extension of the company values and culture and providing a platform to experience and reinforce the brand attributes.
LinkedIn Values Wall by There Studio
Technical Fluency and Human Connection
Born into a world of technological innovation — a generation intuitive to accessing information and adoption of social media, Gen Z have grown up in a world where digital technology is second nature.
As fast thinking creatives and holding an intuitive ability to adopt new technology and implement it into work practices, Gen Z are most often identified leading and initiating the adoption of new software / digital tools and general work practice in organisations.
However, whilst known for being ever digitally connected, human connection, social interaction and accessible approachable leadership is desired. The increased adoption of social media platforms can create a false sense of connection. Biased towards working in teams, Gen Z will seek team orientated environments encouraging and supportive of face to face connection and social interaction and where inclusion is valued and a recognised contributor to emotional wellbeing.
Work & Life Balance—A Portfolio Life
Triggered by a holistic approach to life and an ambitious growth mindset Gen Z seek the ability to pursue multiple paths of interest that reflect diverse and professional goals. The desire to achieve fulfillment and balance by weaving different roles and activities into a flexible and interconnected whole.
Typically prioritising personal time and valuing work life balance, they are willing to work hard balanced with a flexibility to pursue personal interests. They truly reflect the new world of work with emphasis on providing a balance informing how, when and where work is structured, and performance being rewarded on outcomes rather than hours worked.
Workplaces embracing of people achieving a more authentic and purpose driven life and promoting of personal and professional growth are likely to have a higher retention rate and more motivated workforce enhanced through emotional, intellectual, and social experience.
Investment in the personal wellbeing of employees – both through the provision of amenity supportive of health and wellbeing (exercise / gym / retreat areas / parent amenity, prayer etc) as well as broadened learning and development.
Role models for all generations— informing the future of work!
As reported by Forbes – 90 % of Gen Z workers desire and value a human connection in their professional environments, 60% of Gen Z employees expressed the desire to have clarity on the expectations and parameters of their jobs, and 60% of Gen Z workers want direct, frequent communications and check ins with their supervisors for performance evaluation.
