The newest members in today’s workplace are those of Generation Z. The general consensus places this generation as beginning in 1997 and ending around 2012, meaning as of 2022, the oldest of Gen Z are 25 (fairly fresh into the workforce, or perhaps still in college) and the youngest are only 10 (near the end of elementary school).
Despite their youth, Gen Z is a confident bunch, and it would be remiss of those of us commanding the workforce to dismiss their skill and grit. Gen Z knows what they want and, more importantly, they know what they deserve. This blog will thus review five straightforward ways to engage Gen Z in the workplace!
1. Create a Fitting Culture
In this period of economic flux, a global climate crisis, and institutional injustice, Gen Z values security and stability in the workplace above almost all else. Ensuring they feel aligned with the corporate culture is critical for hiring and retaining them. For example, Gen Z is the only generation currently in the workplace that has grown up surrounded by technology, hence why 91% say that a company’s technological sophistication will impact their decision to accept a job offer. In other words, it is imperative that a company’s culture demonstrates value and knowledge of modern technology to better connect with Gen Z.
2. Offer Opportunities for Growth
Gen Z may be willing to start at the bottom level of an organization, but like many of us, they aren’t willing to stay there! An employer must show interest in the career development of their Gen Z employees, including through opportunities like mentorship and sponsorship. Gen Z can be competitive, so there is a fine line we must walk of encouraging their intuition without feeding into unnecessary aggression, but when the end result is the chance to harness their inventive spirits, finding this balance is well worth it.
3. Contribute to the Community
The average employee of Gen Z does not want to work solely for an organization’s bottom line. One of the most notable characteristics of this generation is how much they care for others, including a willingness to accept diversity in ways we cannot deny us older generations have struggled with in the past. In fact, 30% of Gen Z would take a 10-20% pay cut to work for a company with a mission they care about. Do not mistake me as advising anyone to reduce Gen Z’s salaries! Rather, I seek to emphasize that many of Gen Z want to contribute to the greater good of their community and beyond, and it is of the utmost importance that employers support them in these desires.
4. Value Diversity and Inclusion
As established, Gen Z cares deeply for their communities, and they are incredibly accepting of others. This acceptance extends into DEI initiatives—they desire a workplace that embraces the value of diversity and inclusion, and it is in those environments where they flourish. In fact, Gen Z themselves “are more racially and ethnically diverse than any previous generation,” which only further illustrates just how important diversity and inclusion are to engaging Gen Z in the workplace.
5. Give Them a Voice
At the end of the day, Gen Z values a manager that not only encourages them to share their opinions but ensures they feel heard and recognized. After all, it is one thing to let a person talk—it is another matter to truly listen to them. Gen Z are realists as much as they are optimists, and giving them an opportunity to share their thoughts on an issue will help lead to practical solutions. “We’re going to change the world!” they boldly claim, and if we are willing to step back, let them have their voice, and listen closely to what they have to say, I think we’ll all come to see exactly how Gen Z intends to make our world a better place.
And there we have it! Five straightforward strategies to engage Generation Z. Of course, these tips are all easier said than done—what do you say we follow in the footsteps of Gen Z and walk the talk ourselves?
Dima Ghawi is the founder of a global talent development company with a primary mission for advancing individuals in leadership. Through keynote speeches, training programs and executive coaching, Dima has empowered thousands of professionals across the globe to expand their leadership potential. In addition, she provides guidance to business executives to develop diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies and to implement a multi-year plan for advancing quality leaders from within the organization.
Reach her at DimaGhawi.com and BreakingVases.com.
