Workplace changes with each new generation, and one generation that is currently entering the workforce is the Gen Z. Referring to individuals born between 1996 and 2010, Gen Z is a demographic group roughly made up of 20% of Australia’s population alone, projected to make up roughly one-third of the workforce by 2030.
Digitally native and optimistic, Gen Zers are quite different from their predecessors Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers, especially in the way they look at careers and success both in terms of private and professional life. The tech-savvy generation also has particular expectations from their employers and workplace. Appealing to this new generation of workers means understanding them, so here’s everything you need to know about Gen Z in the workplace.
Work-life balance is very important
One of the top priorities for many Gen Zers, maintaining a harmonious relationship between private life and professional life is something they share with another generation – Millennials. Mental health is especially important to them, and they place great emphasis on modern mental wellness practices. They appreciate workplaces that incorporate mental health-focused approaches, aligning with their holistic view of well-being.
Feeling burned out is something that 28% of younger employees experience frequently. One way for employees to prevent workplace burnout would be to try a digital detox. As for the employers, try handing out surveys to employees asking them to rate how they’re feeling at work. Alternatively, consider offering remote working as an option if possible.
They value frequent feedback
When it comes to Gen Zers, getting an annual job feedback simply doesn’t cut it. They value feedback that is as frequent as possible. For some, a weekly check-in with the manager will suffice. For others, this may still not be frequent enough, with many preferring getting feedback on a daily basis and sometimes even several times a day via email.
Given how these interactions could help with employee performance and retention, checking in with employees as often as possible, tracking their performance, and helping them learn certainly pays off.
They’re proactive when it comes to their rights
Highly-opinionated and proactive, Gen Zers are driven by the need to make a change. They believe that their rights and the rights of others is something worth fighting for, and have no problem arguing with superiors if that means standing up for themselves and making a difference.
If unexpected issues arise, they will seek their rights, whether it’s a superannuation claim or a workplace injury. Gen Z-ers aren’t afraid of hiring workplace retaliation lawyers who can help them seek justice after being mistreated by their bosses. However, their actions only go so far, and sometimes, it makes more sense to team up with experts in the field. Whether they work in an office or from home, if an injury is preventing them from performing work, hiring prominent superannuation lawyers would be the smartest move in such a situation. Having professionals represent them is far more effective than fighting for what’s right on their own, and it’s imperative for preventing such issues from occurring in their workplace.
They are passionate about sustainability
Gen Zers happen to be just as passionate about the environment as they are about workers’ rights. They are quite vocal about the environmental issues, and their values and ethics are reflected in their everyday choices, from nutrition to clothes to everyday products. Their growing concern about the environment is also evident in the criteria they have when seeking employment, with many Gen Zers being attracted to working in those companies that have a strong sustainability culture.
In order to appeal to this ecologically responsible generation, employers should strive to provide them with a green workplace and an eco-friendly work ethic. This is something that can be done in various ways, some of which include improving energy-efficiency of the workspace, replacing office supplies with biodegradable and recycled products, reducing paper waste by going digital, as well as redesigning their workspaces to make them more eco-friendly.
They strive for diversity and inclusion
The majority of Gen Zers (63% of them to be exact) would agree that diversity in the workplace is one of the most important features of modern day companies. An even higher percentage of Gen Zers (77%) agreed that their decision to work at a certain company would be heavily influenced by factors such as diversity and inclusion.
Many of them want to work for companies that are socially responsible and have high levels of diversity, with many Gen Zers seeing teams of multiple ethnicities as very important for a company. They believe that these two elements, diversity and inclusion, play a significant role in how innovative and well-performing the company is. In order for companies to appeal to Gen Z workers, they should strive to create an inclusive culture, hiring individuals with diverse skills and education levels.
Wrapping up
Each generation brings something new to the table. When it comes to Generation Z, they’re bringing with them a whole news set of attitudes, needs, values, and priorities. Their expectations from the employers as well as their work are also a lot different compared to previous generations. They strive to make a difference through their effort and want their hard work to count for something and have a purpose. They support inclusion and diversity in the workplace and strive for work-life harmony, and they’re always looking for ways to improve whether it’s themselves or their environmental impact.
All these characteristics are extremely important for employers and companies as Gen Zers enter the workforce as they are the ones who need to adapt to the changes and adopt a mindset that will attract Gen Zers.
