What are the goals of Gen Z in the workplace? What are the differences between younger employees and older generations, like millennials or baby boomers? What can employers do to attract and retain these talented young professionals?
To answer these questions, we need to acknowledge that Generation Z is the youngest generation in the workforce and the future of companies and industries. They are also one of the most diverse groups to ever come into office settings.
New technology provides numerous options for Gen Z and upcoming generations to earn money by working for themselves, on their own schedule. The great resignation sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic has provided further persuasion for Gen Z to consider entrepreneurship as a career path.
But, this plethora of other options doesn’t mean that Gen Z isn’t interested in working for organizations. The vast majority of this generation will still pursue and accept employment opportunities.
However, they often want a different employee experience than prior generations.
This article will cover what matters to Gen Z and explore how employee communication, benefits packages, and company policies can be tailored to maximize productivity and form an inclusive workplace.
What matters to Gen Z in the workplace.
With the rise of Gen Z employees headed into the workplace, here are some areas that are important to this generation when looking for a place to work:
They want to know that they’re cared for and appreciated.
Employers need to create an environment where Gen Z feels valued. This includes transparent communication and letting management know that they are being heard. Gen Z employees also want employers to be transparent about their policies and expectations.
Gen Z also values a positive work culture. This could mean prioritizing employee engagement, mental health, and taking breaks to celebrate wins together to name a few.
They want to embrace new technology that makes their jobs easier and more fulfilling.
Gen Z was born into a world with instant access to information, and they are the first generation to grow up using social media. They are tech-savvy and expect their work tools to be efficient and user-friendly. This means that employers should provide technology that helps employees do their jobs better. For instance, which mundane or repetitive administrative tasks can companies automate to make employees’ lives easier?
AI and automation are two highly impactful factors for companies wanting to implement new technology. Support and process automation features can help provide the tools Gen Z is looking for in businesses.
Artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities will also play a huge role. Employers can automate tasks that their employees traditionally have to spend time on, like data entry, answering repetitive customer support inquiries, or scheduling appointments. Using conversational AI, these tools can instantly answer questions for customers and employees. This can help clear up time and energy for Gen Z employees to focus on tasks requiring further thinking and analyzing.
They don’t want to be micromanaged.
Gen Z team members want the freedom to explore their interests and take the appropriate initiative.
This doesn’t mean that they don’t need any guidance or feedback from management – it just means that employers should be open to team members learning the ropes and taking on new challenges.
They need a sense of purpose.
It’s important for Gen Z to feel like they’re a part of something bigger and that their work contributes to the company’s overall success.
They want to know that their work is meaningful and makes a difference. This can be achieved by having opportunities for professional development, collaboration projects, and more autonomy in their roles.
They value flexible options like remote work.
Compared to previous generations, Gen Z has a lot of career options, such as entrepreneurship, or corporate business . Therefore, when they take on a traditional job in an organization, they have a lot of expectations about freedom, flexibility, and work-life balance. They want options like flexible scheduling, telecommuting options, and working remotely.
In today’s age, companies are stepping away from the typical 9-5 roles and becoming more flexible with team members and the hours they work. This is a major key to recruiting and retaining Gen Z employees.
They want opportunities to learn and grow.
Gen Z team members are always looking for opportunities to learn and grow. They want to take on new challenges, learn new skills, and develop professionally.
Employers can help by providing professional development opportunities, mentorship programs, and more chances for employees to collaborate. Gen Z team members will thrive and be more productive with these opportunities.
How can employers cater to this diverse generation?
Gen Z has a lot to offer employers, but companies need to be willing to adapt their employee experience to attract and retain top talent.
Gen Z wants interesting and fulfilling work, allowing them to use their skills and talents in new ways. They also want good benefits, flexible hours, and a comfortable workplace. Above all else, they value transparency and communication from their employers.
Communication, benefits, and policies must be tailored to meet the needs of Gen Z, or else organizations will fall behind the curve. Those who can create an inclusive workplace focusing on engagement and communication will succeed in working with Generation Z.
At a minimum, employers looking to get the best out of Gen Z team members should consider the following:
- Flexible options for work-life balance like work from home opportunities
- Cultivating an atmosphere with strong workplace community and collaboration across all areas
- High-quality training and mentorship programs
- Mental health initiatives like an employee support program
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With Capacity, employees will have time to learn new skills, take on new challenges, and develop their careers – perfect for companies looking to attract Gen Z top talent.