Baby boomers, millennials, Generation Z – it can sometimes be difficult to keep up with the different age segments of society and what they want from a workplace. But as more Gen-Z members move into the workforce and some start to progress up to managerial roles, it’s vital that companies fully understand what they’re looking for in the workplace. Doing so will help companies attract top-skilled talent and retain the Gen-Z workers they already have at their organisation. Here, we look at three things that Generation Z employees look for within a company. 1) Flexibility in all senses Flexibility in the workplace used to be limited to having flexible working hours. But Gen Zers are looking for more than just that. They want flexibility in terms of hours, days, location, and even role. They’re looking for companies that can adapt to new trends or ways of working. The thought of being in the same desk job for 40 years – like most Baby Boomers were used to – is unheard of for Gen Z workers. They expect their role and company to be able to adapt to their career needs and move with the times. Adaptive leadership or training programmes will be expected to be a part of all companies and only those with robust career growth development initiatives will be considered by Gen Z top talent. 2) Solid diversity and inclusion initiatives Gen Z workers will choose companies that align with their personal morals and values. This means that companies will all need to include extensive diversity and inclusion initiatives in their organisations – and make sure they grow and develop them with time. Gen Z workers will also be looking for companies with good CSR programmes or those who stand up for political or social movements that they believe in. One major part of this will be a company’s stance on climate control and sustainability, with 1 in 3 Generation Z employees saying they would not work at a company if they disagreed with their green policies. 3) Technology is king A generation that has grown up surrounded by the latest tech inventions, it’s no wonder that Generation Z workers will only consider companies that have strong tech behind them. Even the recruitment process would have to be tech-friendly, with recruiters or HR managers being open to virtual meetings or interviews. This generation is used to receiving all their information at the click of a button so if companies are lagging in their technology, they will not be able to attract the best Gen Z skilled workers. By following these three points, companies will be able to increase their appeal to Generation Zers that are newly entering the job market. Innovation, adaptation, and flexibility will be key to attracting all the best skilled workers, while also retaining the Gen Z workers a company already employs.
Having a workforce that feels inspired, empowered, and engaged is fundamental to the long-term success of a company. But how can companies achieve this in a genuine and long-lasting way? Here we look at five ways your company can boost employee engagement in the workplace. 1) Providing growth and development opportunitiesShowing your employees that you care about their future career paths (within or outside your organisation) can really help boost your employee satisfaction, which in turns boosts engagement. Look into offering training programmes, mentorship opportunities, and career advancement paths to empower employees to learn new skills and progress in their careers. Doing so will help increase their sense of professional and personal growth, improving job satisfaction and loyalty among employees. 2) Promote open communication and feedback loopsHaving an open-door policy that really is an open-door policy is crucial to employee engagement. How can you expect your team to be fully engaged if they feel uncomfortable speaking openly or are worried about their feedback not being heard or appreciated? So, creating feedback loops and open communication policies that really do put your employees’ satisfaction first is key. 3) Recognise and reward achievementsIt’s estimated that over 80% of the workforce believe that being recognised for their efforts boosts their desire to perform well at work. To improve your employee engagement, it’s important to recognise the strength that rewarding team members can have. Recognising employees’ efforts and accomplishments boosts morale, motivation, and productivity, while also reinforcing desired behaviours and performance standards. And these gestures don’t have to be big or expensive. Verbal praise or emailing the whole organisation outlining key employee achievements can have the same effect as giving a financial reward. 4) Foster a positive work environmentIf employees love where they work, they are much more likely to feel engaged. As a manager or company owner, you need to cultivate a supportive and inclusive workplace culture where diversity is celebrated, teamwork is encouraged, and work-life balance is prioritised. While boosting engagement levels, having a positive work environment also promotes employee well-being, reduces stress, and enhances job satisfaction. 5) Encourage employee empowerment Employees are more likely to improve their engagement at work if they feel like they’re making a difference. They need to feel empowered to make their own decisions, take ownership of their responsibilities, and contribute to ideas for projects or initiatives. While increasing engagement amongst employees, this also helps boost their productivity levels as they feel they have a real purpose at work. Overall, enhancing employee engagement is crucial for companies that want to grow a loyal, productive workforce, retain top talent, and achieve long-lasting business success. Engaged employees are more committed, innovative, and loyal, leading to higher levels of performance, customer satisfaction, and profitability for the organisation – things that all business owners dream of achieving.
