Gen Z’s and Millenials are the fastest-growing cohort in the workforce today.
According to PwC, Genz and Millenials are two generations that comprise about 38% of the total workforce, which is expected to rise to 58% by 2030. That means there will be more Millennials and GenZers prominent in workspaces. Suit up!
Amidst the barrage of emails, schedules, MOMs, and more, are you finding it increasingly challenging to foster better connections at work?
Do you worry about your relationship with your GenZ employees? Well, you’re not alone!
Who are the GenZ, and why are we talking about them?
GenZs, the new entrants, bring excitement, tech savviness, and fresh perspectives that can invigorate our workspaces. A study revealed that 52% of GenZ employees feel empowered to drive organizational change.
Traditional workplaces have undergone profound changes, one of which is the inclusion of flexibility and collaboration in working spaces.
It has revolutionized the world of work for all the right reasons, especially post-pandemic.
What are some ways to bridge the gap?
Gen Zs and millennials prioritize collaborative workspaces, flexibility, and friendly colleagues over career progression. They value flexible hours, remote work, and health insurance and prioritize purpose and ethics in the workplace. This is still a grey area as it goes against the norms of how traditional workplaces function. In fact, this creates friction between senior employees and Gen Zs and millennials. Having a middle ground here would help leaders and employees thrive together toward the big picture that aligns with the values of the organization.
Climate change is a significant concern for Gen Zs and millennials. More than 80% of both groups say they felt anxious about the environment in the past month and feel that governments can push businesses to take climate-positive actions.
Nine in 10 Gen Zs and millennials say purpose is essential for job satisfaction and are likely to reject work or employers that do not align with their ethics and beliefs, according to a survey by Deloitte.
It’s not all rocket science! Here are some expert-backed secrets to help you effectively collaborate and work with GenZ employees:
Utilise Feedback as a two-way street: A study mentions that two-thirds of GenZ employees value feedback from their mentors to keep them consistent in their work.
- Cultivate a transparent two-way feedback mechanism.
- Take the constructive criticism route with insights that they can make use of.
Emphasize Communication and Connection: More than 50% of GenZ’ers seek better communication practices with their leaders and teammates.
- Whether it’s performance feedback or expectations, be transparent and honest in communicating them.
- Practice active listening and show genuine interest in what they have to say.
What Are Some Ways To Retain GenZ/Millennials in the Organization?
Provide Continuous Learning Opportunities: This generation’s thirst for knowledge is intense. Encouraging their pursuit of learning can motivate skill development and foster growth.
- Incorporate training and professional development programs to stimulate their curious minds.
- Introduce them to relevant networks and resources towards upskilling, especially by utilizing technology in the workflow.
Incorporate Flexibility When You See Results: GenZ and Millennials prioritize work-life balance over everything. The traditional work style of being glued to your chair and getting micro-managed for 9-12 hours does not work for them.
- Consider flexible scheduling practices, such as remote work, flexible hours, compressed work weeks, flexible time off, and floating holidays.
- When starting a new project, help your employees visualize the desired outcomes and set SMART goals. To motivate them, show them how their tasks contribute to the bigger picture.
- Involve them in the process to provide direction, autonomy, and accountability. Evaluate performance based on quality of work and goal achievement, not just work hours.
Promote Diversity and Inclusion in the Organisation’s Policies: Gen Z is known for its commitment to diversity and social causes.
- Create an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued and individuals feel a sense of belonging.
- Remember to incorporate inclusive practices in recruitment, promotions, and decision-making processes to show your dedication to social responsibility.
How Can Companies Benefit By Keeping GenZ’s Happy?
- Gen Z’s tech-savvy skill and creativity can drive innovation for companies.
- Understanding Gen Z’s values helps companies tailor marketing strategies.
- Embracing social responsibility can attract top Gen Z talent.
- Adapting to Gen Z’s preferences can increase relevance and long-term success.
The influence of Gen Z and millennials in modern workspaces cannot be overstated. Their realistic approach to life and work, coupled with a strong emphasis on individualism and values-driven decision-making, is reshaping the future of the workforce and the world. Companies must adopt ways to make their workplace inclusive and supportive of workforce success.
