We live in an unprecedented time where four generations are working together in the same workplace. And today, more millennials are responsible for managing older and younger generations, including Generation Z.
Born between the mid-90s and mid-2000s, Gen Z is stepping into the spotlight, armed with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. With their youthful energy and ability to adapt quickly, they’re poised to make a profound impact on the professional landscape. As they enter the workforce, Gen Z is challenging traditional ways of thinking and inspiring managers to think outside the box.
It’s critical for your millennial leadership team to understand what makes Generation Z stand out. Here are some common Gen Z characteristics you can expect in the workplace:
Despite being the texting generation, Generation Z actually prefers face-to-face communication in the workplace. Recent studies have revealed that Gen Z finds the subtleties of written communication challenging to interpret, leading them to strongly advocate for personal interactions.
Generation Z is changing the game in the workplace, embracing the power of individual projects. Unlike previous generations, working alone doesn’t intimidate these ambitious young people. By working independently, Gen Zers can show off their unique skills and abilities, demonstrating their value to employers.
Generation Z is tech-savvy and relies heavily on productivity apps in the workplace. If you want to stay ahead of the game and keep your Gen Z employees happy, it’s time to embrace the power of mobile apps! Whether it’s project management, time tracking, or communication tools, the key is to find apps that work seamlessly on mobile devices.
As the generation that grew up during an economic recession, Generation Z knows a thing or two about being risk-averse. Unlike their Millennial counterparts, who may be more inclined to take a leap of faith in their careers, Gen Zers appreciate the value of stability, seeking jobs that offer a sense of security and a crystal-clear compensation package. This generation also wants to dive headfirst into roles where they can grow and develop without worrying about the rug being pulled out from under them.
For Generation Z, competition is a fuel that ignites their desire to excel. If you can use this drive in your workplace, you have the key to unlocking their full potential. Encouraging healthy competition during the training stage can work wonders in keeping young employees motivated and pushing them to deliver their best work.
Gen-Z values work-life balance and prioritizes mental health, something that previous generations may not have fully understood. They understand that taking care of themselves leads to better productivity and creativity in the workplace. Remember, Gen Z is all about individualism, so give them room to express themselves and embrace their unique perspectives. By doing so, you’ll not only attract top talent, but also foster a positive, thriving work culture.
Gen Z rebels against authority and craves autonomy, so the traditional methods of leadership are no longer effective. How can we lead this new generation effectively? It’s all about leading by example through vision and feedback. Gen Z wants to be inspired, not dictated to. Show them the way by being the change you want to see—let your actions speak louder than words. Be the leader who walks the talk, and watch as they follow suit.
Gen Zers prioritize mental health, crave flexibility, want ample vacation time, and won’t settle for less. As leaders, it’s essential for us to comprehend and address their needs to avoid high turnover. Gen Z wants to be heard, so create a safe space for them to express their thoughts and opinions. Listen actively and genuinely, and demonstrate to them that their voices matter. Instead of assuming we know what’s best for them, let’s ask for their input. We can gain valuable insights by understanding their unique perspectives and customizing our strategies to meet their expectations. If mental health is a priority, provide resources and support. If flexible hours are requested, explore ways to accommodate them. By showing we’re responsive to their needs, we can foster a sense of belonging and loyalty.
Unlike previous generations, Gen Zers see work as a chance to learn, grow, and conquer new challenges. They’re not looking for a stagnant job. They crave variety and opportunities to expand their skill sets. Embrace this mindset and create an environment that feeds their hunger for knowledge and experience by providing growth opportunities that keep them engaged and excited about their work. Offer them chances to learn, be challenged, and take on new roles.
Gen Zers are constantly challenging the norm, pushing boundaries, and demanding a more inclusive and progressive culture. Their desire for change cannot be ignored! By embracing their desires and giving them a platform, leaders have the opportunity to drive strategic and cultural transformations that benefit the entire organization.
Each generation has faced different conditions when entering the workforce, developing unique values and goals as a result.
AAIM Employers’ Association provides leadership development training that gives your supervisors the essential tools and skills to become successful leaders and mentors. Our courses focus on the biggest challenges new leaders face, such as communication, coaching difficult team members, time management, performance reviews, and goal setting. Contact us today to learn more about training courses for leaders.
