Gen Z in the workplace

What (or who) is Gen Z (aka Gen Zers or Zoomers)?

This group born between 1997 and 2012, is the most diverse generation and the fast-growing age group in the workforce. In fact, Forbes estimated that by 2025, Generation Z workers will make up almost a quarter of the global workforce (Galarza, 2023).

Gen Z is a group of digital natives with little or no memory of the world before smartphones, which has shaped their communication and work styles. Major events like Covid-19 pandemic, the global economic crisis and the boom of social media platforms has changed their views and fostered traits like resilience and adaptability. Forbes says that Gen Z'ers also place more emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion than past generations, and then they have a strong sense of ethics and a desire to address social issues. 

What does Gen Z want from the workplace?

You were warned that Gen Z thinks differently!!! They care more most about the work-life balance and personal well-being. Income and brand reputation is the least important.

Benefits such as paid time off, mental-health days, or activities that create a sense of community are essential for Gen Z (Heiberg, 2024). In general members of Gen Z wants to work for employers that align with their values and demonstrate a commitment to social responsibly (Luc, 2023). 

The first Gen Z graduates entered the workforce in 2019,  and they're already setting a precedent for how the rest of their cohort will approach the world of work. As per study conducted by ThoughtExchange (2022), outlines some of the key expectations Gez Z are brining to work;

• 96% of Gen Z employees say it's important they feel valued, included and empowered at work
• 80% want a job that allows them to explore and develop new skills sets, rather than focus on one skill
• 79% would like their manager to care about their personal development as much as their professional development
• 53% consider workplace benefits when looking for a new role. On average Gen Z would be willing to take 19% pay cut if it meant their non-salary needs were met
• 39% specifically look for remote working flexibility and 71% of those in remote or hybrid work say they would not return to a fully in-person workplace
• High expectations on ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance). 73% would leave a company if business practices were not ethical, while 68% would leave if their business was not sustainable, 62% because of social differences and 58% due to political difference

How can companies attract and engage Gen Z in the workforce?

The best way to attract a and engage Gen Z in the workforce depends on the specific organization and

its culture. While the ideal approach may vary from industry to industry, there are general actions any organization can take to better attract and engage Gen Zers in the workplace. 

According to an article by Higginbotham (2024), these are some of the key elements on which a company can attract Gen Z's onboard,

→    Competitive compensation and benefits

→    Flexible work arrangements

→    Foster a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion

→    Prioritize mental health

→    Offer unique benefits

→    Integrate technology in the workplace

→    Offer development and training opportunities

Conclusion

Organizations must adapt the Gen Z strategies to attract, engage and retain this new generation of talent. As we draw insights from the preferences and behaviours of the new generation entering the workforce, we need to also look at how "work" itself is chaning and evolving. The future of work will call for a return of the Renaissance Figure: a person with many talents, interests, and areas of knowledge. 

References

Galarza, A., 2023. How To Engage Generation-Z In The Workplace. Forbes.

Heiberg, D., 2024. Gen Z In The Workplace : Everything You Need To Know, s.l.: Firstup.

Higginbotham, 2024. Higginbotham. [Online]

Available at: https://www.higginbotham.com/blog/how-to-attract-gen-z-employees/#:~:text=Businesses%20need%20to%20offer%20environments,fostering%20a%20culture%20of%20diversity.

[Accessed 23 07 2024].

Luc, K., 2023. Understanding and enganing Gen Z in the workplace. Engaging and Retaining Gen Z, 20 07, p. 4.

Thought Exchange, 2022. Gen Z At Work, s.l.: s.n.