The world of work has changed dramatically over the past few decades, largely due to technological advances and cultural shifts. One of the biggest differences is in the composition of the workforce, which has evolved to include Generation Z (gen z), which now makes up a significant portion of employees. Companies must adapt to these changes to effectively manage this new generation. In this article, we’ll look at the characteristics of Gen Z and how managers can manage them effectively.
Generation Z: characteristics and behaviors
Generation Z (or gen z as it is often referred to) is generally considered to be people born between 1997 and 2012 , which means it currently represents the 9-24 age bracket. This generation is often referred to as the “digital generation” because they grew up with the advent of the internet and digital technologies. As a result, she is extremely tech savvy and can easily navigate multiple digital platforms.
Gen Z is also more diverse than previous generations, which is reflected in their values and behaviors. Members of this generation are more aware of cultural diversity and are more inclined to accept differences in gender, sexual orientation and religion. They also tend to be more committed to social and environmental causes.
When it comes to work behavior, Generation Z has different expectations than their predecessors. We see that members of gen z are looking for a job that brings them a sense of personal achievement rather than a high salary. They also place a high value on company culture and the company’s ability to meet their needs.
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Managing Gen Z effectively
1. Provide a strong corporate culture
As we mentioned earlier, Gen Z places great importance on company culture. Managers must therefore ensure that their company offers a positive and engaged culture. This can be accomplished by creating a culture where employees are encouraged to share their ideas and opinions, where they feel heard, and where they have opportunities for career development.
It is also important to allow employees to feel connected to the company . This can be accomplished by hosting regular corporate events and creating workgroups to encourage collaboration and networking.
2. Use technology strategically
Generation Z is very tech savvy, which means managers need to take a strategic approach to the use of technology tools for effective management of this generation. To do this, they can use online communication applications to stay in touch with their employees and facilitate rapid and fruitful exchanges. Using online project management tools can also help managers track progress and manage projects optimally.
3. Provide career development opportunities
Generation Z has high expectations for career development and career progression. For managers, this means providing career development opportunities is key to keeping this growing generation motivated and engaged. For example, managers can offer training and mentoring programs, develop personalized career plans and offer internal mobility opportunities to allow their employees to progress and develop. By investing in their professional future, managers can ensure that Gen Zers are fulfilled and driven to succeed.
4. Foster collaboration and communication
Managers should foster collaboration and communication among employees to create a positive and productive work environment . This can be done by creating open workspaces and encouraging communication and collaboration between teams. Managers can also organize brainstorming sessions and regular meetings to boost collaboration and the exchange of ideas.
5. Give regular feedback
Feedback and opinions of all kinds are an integral part of gen z life. Managers should therefore provide regular feedback to their employees to help them improve and stay motivated. Feedback can be given during regular individual meetings or during annual reviews. They should be specific, constructive and positive to encourage employees to continue to engage in their work.
6. Encourage flexibility and adaptability
Gen Z are accustomed to flexibility and adaptability, thanks in large part to their frequent use of digital technologies. Managers must therefore offer flexible work options to meet the needs of this generation. This can be done by offering flexible working hours, remote work options, and part-time work options. Managers must also be open to adaptability and flexibility in terms of work processes and organizational structures.
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