April 21, 2021
How to Attract and Retain Gen Z Employees
Generation Z, those individuals born between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s, currently make up 40% of the working and consumer population in the United States, and their wants and needs in the workplace are very different than those of other generations – Millennials, Generation X and Baby Boomers.
A study conducted by Ernst and Young shows that Gen Z employees are extremely tech-savvy, not afraid to make mistakes, seek feedback on a regular basis, prefer to work with a diverse team and often rank work-life balance a more important factor than salary when assessing a job offer.
Here are some important factors to consider when hiring and retaining Gen Z employees:
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Work-Life Balance – 38% of Gen Z employees consider work-life balance the number one factor when choosing an employer. Time away from work for doctor’s appointments, volunteering in the community, remote work options and benefits such as an Employee Assistance Program that help employees maintain a healthy lifestyle are essential.
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Human Interaction – Although Gen Z employees are very tech-savvy (remember these folks have never known a world without the internet) and used to interacting through social media, they still want to develop a collaborative relationship with their co-workers in order to learn, challenge and motivate one another.
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Coaching and Mentoring – Gen Z workers place a high value on the ability to work with a diverse team with varying degrees of experience and skills. As far as training goes, they prefer on-line, on-demand learning. They also tend to do better collaborating and learning from their peers rather than their supervisor.
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Social Awareness – Employer commitment to social responsibility is very high on Gen Z’s list. They expect more than talk from their leaders, they want their employer to “walk the talk.” According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation blog, some of Gen Z’s top social concerns include: health care, mental health, higher education, economic insecurity, racial equity and the environment.
With another generation entering the workforce, it will be important for managers to balance the differences and similarities of a multi-generational team. Keeping communication lines open and transparent will be key, as well as reminding your team that everyone is working toward the same goal, regardless of the different approaches they may take to get there.
HR Advantage/Advisory is ready to assist you and talk through options or implement the solution you select.
Sources: PR Newswire, “Failure Drives Innovation, According to EY Survey on Gen Z” ConnectTeam, “Everything You Need to Know About Generation Z in the Workplace in 2021” SHRM, “10 Tips for Hiring – and Retaining- Gen Z Employees”
The views and opinions expressed in the article represent the view of the author and not necessarily the official view of Clark Hill PLC. Nothing in this article constitutes professional legal advice nor is intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice.
