Understanding Gen Z in the workplace; embrace the good vibes

Enter Gen Z—the trailblazers born into a digital landscape, reshaping how we work and connect. As the first wave of Gen Z professionals begins their career journeys, employers and hiring teams must tune into their unique values. Crafting a workplace culture that empowers this generation is not just beneficial; it’s essential for unlocking a future filled with innovation and growth.

 Some trends and differences are listed below, but it’s important to note that these are general trends. Not every individual from each generation will fit the descriptions outlined here. Yet, understanding the differences between generations can help hiring managers create a more inclusive and diverse workplace that accommodates the needs and values of employees from all generations. 

Hold up, who even is Gen Z?

Gen Z, also known as the iGeneration, is the generation born mid-90s, usually around 95 or 96 (the date does shift a few years depending on the source).  

Gen Z is a diverse generation, with varied backgrounds, interests, and values. They’re also the most educated generation in history, and have more access to information than any previous generation. Gen Z’s are highly engaged with social and are generally more skeptical towards authority.  

In comparison Gen X is defined as people born between the mid-60s and 1980s. Gen X is the first generation to be born with the widespread use of computers, but still remember the world without the internet.  So while there are certain overlapping cultural influences across these generations, there are experiences and values that set them apart.  

Gen Z and Gen X: What’s the cultural tea for the workforce

Gen Z has grown up in a world that is drastically different from the one experienced by Gen X. Gen X grew up in an analog world, while Gen Z is the first true digital generation. Gen Z are more likely to use technology to communicate, for entertainment and for activism.  

Gen X is more likely to focus on the traditional values of hard work and loyalty, while Gen Z is more likely to focus on values such as creativity, collaboration, and innovation.  

Gen Z is also more likely to focus on a work-life balance, with flexible hours and remote working options, though across all age groups, in the wake of radical changes to working environments over the pandemic, this is something that an increasing number of workers of all ages value. Read more about hybrid work models here. 

Empower Gen Z, elevate your team: The ultimate workplace glow-up

By creating a work culture that is open to new ideas, you allow Gen Z to use their skills. Receiving help from increased creativity, innovation, and productivity.  

• Gen Z are digital natives. They’re very comfortable with, and rely, on technology which depending on the role will change the way their work is done. There should be an emphasis on collaboration tools and technology for communication to enable and empower their workflow. 
  
• With more awareness and commitment to social justice and activism. Gen Z workers look at your company values and are seeking a purpose-driven work culture. Corporate social responsibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion and are all elements they’ll consider in a prospective employer.
  
• Gen Z’s independent attitude may challenge traditional power structures in the workplace, and they thrive within a more decentralised structure and under flexible management style. These elements are also key components of an agile or composable work model, allowing for flexibility, innovation, and adaptability in uncertain economic times.
  
• Gen Z value work life balance, and are part of the reason for the push for greater flexibility and remote work options.
  
• Gen Z’s focus on entrepreneurship leads to a stronger emphasis on continuous learning, as well as more diverse and unconventional career paths. They value opportunities to learn and develop and will look to these as benefits provided by a prospective employer. 

Hiring hacks: Creating a culture that speaks Gen Z

To create a culture that empowers Gen Z to reach their full potential it helps to build a supportive environment where they can take risks and experiment with new ideas. This ties in to decentralising your management style and allowing space for innovation, ownership and agile development. 

 Designing a workplace to include Gen Z also means creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where they’ll feel safe and appreciated. Beyond their values, this generation is the most racially diverse in history and will want to work somewhere they feel able to voice their beliefs while also being treated fairly. 

Think about how you will onboard and retain Gen Z employees. We have tips below but no hard and fast rules. Every workplace is different and functions in their own way. Collect honest feedback from those you interview and employ, and ask about their first experiences of the workplace if they’ve got past experience. This can help provide insight into your own practices and identify areas to develop.  

Tips for onboarding and retaining your Gen Z workforce  

By following these tips, your workforce will be on its way to being more supportive and inclusive as every experience of a role starts with the onboarding experience.

• Introduce new staff to the organisation’s culture and values. Include any options for flexible or remote work, and any other benefits that support a healthy work-life balance. 
   
• Supply clear guidance and positive impact. A sense of purpose and values behind the work, helps to provide how the roles contribute to the bigger picture. This is all about positive impact.  
  
• Provide opportunities for growth and development. Make sure to offer opportunities for development in the workplace and support continuous learning.  This includes training programs, workshops and attending conferences and events – but could also be providing staff with their own budget to spend on training of their choice. This could even help fill your skills gap before you identify it, and motivate workers with ownership of their own development and career plan. 

By creating a workplace culture that empowers Gen Z’s unique skills and values, organisations can unlock the potential of this next generation and benefit from their creativity, innovation, and digital skills.