Meeting The Needs Of Gen Z Workers

Older workers have often expressed annoyance when dealing with younger coworkers. The misconceptions about Gen Z include them having short attention spans, desire for immediate gratification or a sense of entitlement.

But this comes as no surprise. Boomers often faced their own set of criticisms when working alongside the post-war Silent and Greatest Generations. 

However, organizations don’t have the time to ease into the new changes this generation is bringing to the workforce. With the pandemic accelerating workplace transformation faster than ever, demand for Gen Z talent is skyrocketing.

In order for business leaders to make the adjustments necessary to attract and retain Gen Z workers, Washington State University Carson College of Business (CCB) research offers insight into what this generation wants and needs from their employer.

For starters, 68% of 1,000 Gen Z workers stated they worry about their career growth. In order to accommodate this, employers should create a work environment that is entrepreneurial and puts an emphasis on upskilling opportunities, as well as the quality of work.

Although remote working has become increasingly popular in the past year or so, Gen Z workers are eager to come into an office due to decreased mental wellbeing.

“Navigating remote work with little experience to fall back on has proved challenging for them, particularly when it comes to their mental health,” said Chip Hunter, dean of CCB. “It’s not hard to see why when we consider their typical living arrangements, their limited financial resources and their desire for independence.”