Who Are Gen Z Employees?
Gen Z employees are the ones who were born between the mid-1990s to mid-2000s. They are the descendant of the millennials also known as Generation Y and the predecessor of Generation Alpha. They are the young people who were born and brought up entirely in the digital age and are also known as digital natives. Furthermore, they have different visions of everything. Being exposed to advanced technology from an early age, they are highly social, connected and have instant access to information.
Main characteristics of Gen Z
Every generation of employees has its own characteristics. Every company has employees from various generations. Thus, it is important to understand the characteristics of each of them to help them learn and develop together. Generation Z also have some distinct characteristics that make them different from others. These are the main characteristics known so far:
- They prefer in-person communication
- They see technology as a peer
- They enjoy competing
- They like transparency and authenticity
- They value freedom, flexibility and autonomy at work
- They prioritise work-life balance
- They are realistic and sensible employees
- They are more interested in sustainability and diversity
Gen Z’s vision of work-life balance
Generation Z are very fond of their personal lives and want a career that allows them to continue enjoying their lives. They need more work-life balance and flexibility. Generation Z’s work-life balance vision revolves around the notion that work is not only for finances but should align with the purpose of life. These are the visions of Gen Z:
Value collaboration
Generation Z values collaboration and connectivity. They prefer face-to-face interactions and traditional environments where people connect in person. They are not fond of work-from setup, as they want a work environment that enhances their lives and does not make them feel overburdened. Generation Z’s work-life balance vision aspires to a workplace that takes care of their personal needs and supports their wellbeing. They want a healthy and satisfying work experience.
Ambitious yet realistic
Gen Z is extremely realistic when it comes to the compensation part. They do not run behind hefty salary packages and instead want meaningful work that fulfils their passions. They are ambitious yet realistic and understand the significance of gaining hands-on experience before reaching success. Furthermore, they believe in fair compensation for their work and contributions to the organisation. Generation Z wants to have a mutually beneficial relationship with the employers.
Continuous learning and evolving
Generation Z are very upfront in admitting that they do not know all the answers. They seek opportunities to gain new skills and expand their knowledge. Gen Z welcomes feedback and is quick to adapt to the changing demands of the industry. Their commitment to learning and growing their career prospects makes them a valuable asset to the company. This helps them to stay ahead in their career path and also contribute to the success of the company.
Transparency and support
Setting mental health as a top priority in the workplace is very important to Generation Z. They acknowledge that mental health is necessary for the development of individuals as well as organisations. They do not like to suffer, instead they want to freely share challenges and seek help. They understand that psychological well-being is related to productivity and promotes growth and success.
Aiming for fulfilment
Work-life balance for Generation Z expands beyond careers. They value personal life, passions, relationships and diverse experiences. They believe in having a sense of fulfilment in their personal as well as professional lives. Gen Z creates a more purposeful and rewarding work culture by accepting the complexity of their life and their multidimensional nature.
What motivates Gen Z employees?
Generation Z employees are motivated by various factors in the workplace. These are some key factors for motivation:
Purpose and meaning
Gen Z are motivated by such opportunities that provide them with a sense of purpose. Such opportunities help them to make a positive impact on the society. They are more likely to be attracted to a company that works on issues like sustainability, climate change and hunger.
Career growth
Gen Z wants to work in such places that offer opportunities for professional development and continuous learning. They are motivated by the opportunities for skill training, mentorship programmes and gaining knowledge.
Work-life balance
Generation Z prioritises work-life balance, including the ability to work remotely or have flexible hours in addition to time for hobbies, personal interests and family.
Inclusion and diversity
Gen Z is drawn to workplaces that promote equality, diversity and inclusivity. Regardless of their origin or history, individuals are driven by settings in which they are treated with dignity and feel appreciated and included.
Feedback
Gen Z values regular feedback and wants recognition for their work. They are likely to work for companies that provide constructive feedback and help them to grow. This helps to engage and retain Gen Z employees.
Collaborative engagement
Gen Z thrives in open and collaborative places. The opportunity to openly discuss their ideas and issues provides them with a sense of being valued and heard by seniors and peers.
Tech-driven environment
Gen Z’s natural enthusiasm for technology blends in well with an office that encourages a tech-focused atmosphere. They become more motivated and feel relevant when they have access to advanced technology and the opportunity to use their digital expertise.
Witnessing impact
Gen Z craves to see the results of their efforts. When they can connect their tasks to results and witness the impact they have created, it motivates them. This encourages them to commit wholeheartedly to their roles.
Useful tips to improve Gen Zs work-life balance
The world of the modern workforce is evolving rapidly. Gen Zs have a unique combination of digital skills, innovation and a desire for work-life balance. Creating an environment that aligns with their personal well-being and passion is important for the success of the organisation. These are some useful tips to improve the work-life balance of Generation Z:
Define boundaries
Define clear boundaries between work and personal life. Establish the working hours, breaks and response times. Ask Generation Z to switch off the email and chat notifications after work hours. This will help them to spend time with their family and friends.
Relaxation from technology
Excessive use of technology and longer screen time are stressful for employees, impacting their wellbeing. Encourage Gen Z to unplug during breaks and use apps that track screen time. This will provide much-needed relaxation from the technology.
Prioritise wellness
Include well-being activities in the workday, such as yoga courses, meditation workshops and wellness challenges. These benefits promote a holistic approach to work-life balance, which is highly valued by Gen Z employees who prioritise their physical and emotional health.
Encourage regular breaks
Encourage the employees to take short breaks at regular intervals. Ask them to step away from the screen, stretch, meditate or listen to music. This boosts productivity and wellbeing.
Provide remote work
Implement comprehensive remote work policies to improve the work-life balance of Gen Z employees. Enabling employees to work remotely enables them to create their ideal workspace and reconcile their personal and professional obligations.
Focus on a result-oriented approach
Companies should focus more on a result-oriented process, instead of micromanaging. Micromanagement annoys Gen Z employees, so empower them to take responsibility for their tasks and manage their time effectively. It helps them to achieve their goals while maintaining work-life balance.
Gen Z is looking for different things on the work front as compared to the older generations of workers. Generation Z craves work-life balance and stresses collaboration, fairness, continuous learning, mental well-being and fulfilment. By understanding and addressing the needs of Gen Z employees, employers can create engaging environments that attract, motivate and retain talent. Companies should now discard outdated concepts and policies and implement changes where personal and professional fulfilment both are taken care of. Gen Z envisions building a more balanced work culture for the future workforce as well.
