Generation Z (“Gen Z”) born between 1996 and 2012 is the newest generation to enter the workforce and has unique perspectives towards the workplace.
Being brought up in an era of tech-savvy environment, with exposure to diverse backgrounds at an early age, they have formed independent thinking and are highly opinioned with their approach towards life and work.
As such, their expectations differ significantly from those of the previous generations. They expect an all-encompassing intellectually challenging workplace, which also provides them ample social opportunities whilst supporting their growth.
A poet would say:
In the workplace, they are a new sensation,
Generation Z is a curious creation.
With tech-savvy skills and drive,
They are determined to keep the workplace alive.
They have grown up with social media galore,
Their lives are spent online, always craving more
They are quick to adapt and flexible
Innovation and Change to them, is sensible.
On the other hand, a chef would say – to enjoy an engaged Gen Z at the workplace here is the recipe to meet their expectations!
THE RECIPE
Ingredients:
Access to the Latest Technology and Innovative Tools- Given that Gen Zers have grown up with technology and are comfortable with using different types of software and tools, they expect their workplace to keep up with the latest technology trends thereby making it to be a central part of their environment.
Opportunities for Career Growth and Development- Gen Zers are ambitious and expect their employers to continuously provide them with opportunities to advance in their careers.
A Welcoming and Inclusive Workplace Culture- Gen Zers value an inclusive approach where everyone is treated fairly and equally regardless of any biases, they expect their workplaces to reflect these values.
Collaborative Teamwork –Gen Zers grew up in a highly connected world and are comfortable working with others to achieve common goals. They expect their workplace to foster a collaborative environment where everyone can contribute their ideas and work together effectively.
Flexibility in Work Arrangements- Gen Zers value work-life balance and their mental health-personal life is equally important to them as their work life. Thus, they expect to have options of working remotely or having flexible work hours.
Transparent Communication and Frequent Gratification- Gen Zers want regular feedback on their performance and expect their employer to provide them with constructive criticism and guidance for improvement. They appreciate receiving recognition and praise for their work but also want to know how they can do better. They expect their employers to be transparent about their vision, mission, policies, and processes.
Directions
1. Begin by creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace culture that acknowledges and respects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of Gen Z employees.
2. Provide opportunities for career growth and development viz. training programs, mentorship schemes, buddy options, and job rotations.
3. Offer flexibility in work arrangements like remote work options/flexible scheduling to allow them to manage their work-life balance effectively.
4. Provide them access to the latest technology and innovative tools so that they can work efficiently.
5. Encourage collaborative teamwork, by creating opportunities for cross-functional and disciplinary projects thereby creating a culture of open communication and idea sharing.
6. Finally, ensure frequent and transparent communication between Gen Z employees and management by providing regular feedback and constructive criticism, and communicating company goals and decisions in a clear, concise manner.
In conclusion, Gen Zers expect their workplaces to be continuously adapting, and technologically advanced with a strong company culture that supports the professional development and career growth of employees, whilst valuing a work-life balance.
Phew! Quite demanding it is, however worth the effort given the thriving workplaces of the future rests with them. Thus, the key to engaging this vital section of the workforce lies in understanding, acknowledging, and successfully meeting the expectations of the future workforce, hence we can’t miss it though!
The way I see it, Gen Zers are often subjected to stereotypes and generalizations that may not necessarily apply to all of them. Being the first truly digital native generation, they bring in fresh perspective and innovation to the table, however disruptive it may be. With a strong sense of social responsibility and a sustainable growth mindset, they thrive only when exposed to flexibility, autonomy, and opportunities for professional growth and development.
In my day-to-day interaction with Gen Zers as an HR professional, I find satiating their innate need for ‘Instant Gratification’ and Strategic Brilliance’ with clear expectations works best and leads them right!
