Are corporate loyalists a dying breed? Long gone are the days where working thirty plus years within the same company was common practice. Now, seemingly, Gen Z workers tend to jump from job to job within much smaller time frames. I looked at the top requirements Gen Z workers typically wanted from their employers, to see where employers may be going wrong.
Flexibility
Digital nomads and stay at home workers, has the 9 – 5 become less of the norm in modern working standards?
With ever-changing lifestyle requirements, providing a standardised work schedule may not provide employees with the flexibility they demand. After COVID and the birth of digital nomads, workers now expect remote opportunities more frequently. Offering flexibility to your employees where possible can be an enormous selling point when attracting and retaining employees. This doesn’t always have to mean offering remote opportunities, but offering flexible schedules to fit around employees’ needs.
Development
Constant advancements in technology require an adaptable workforce; upskilling employees can be mutually beneficial.
As technology advances, new software and processes are constantly streamlining and updating how companies operate. This can be a drain on employees when it becomes expected of them to upskill in their out-of-office hours. Providing your workforce with development opportunities not only upskills your own workforce but can be seen as a massive benefit to employees.
Feedback
How often are employers providing regular, beneficial feedback?
Regular feedback can be critical to making employees feel seen and appreciated; without feedback, employees often feel neglected within the workplace. Providing regular constructive feedback can not only help employees improve within their roles, but it also provides them with the knowledge that they are valued within the company. Feedback can lead to development goals and an overall feeling of progression within the company.
Open Discussions
Everyone is different; the best way to find out what your employees are looking for is to ask them.
Giving your employees a space to voice their opinions and wants is the clearest way to understand their needs. Offering open space forums where employees can talk freely is essential to understanding their demands from you as an employer. These spaces must be as open as possible, and employees must feel like their voice is valued enough to speak without repercussions
Overview
Maybe Gen Z has just increased their standard and expectations when it comes to picking a workplace, is that such a bad thing?
Thinking about how much time employees spend at work is an increase in standards, such a radical ask? If employees are asked to evolve with new industry standards constantly, then isn’t it fair that employers do the same? Typically, Gen Z workers’ complaints come from feelings of value. Ensuring your employees feel valued and fairly compensated for their value is the first step when looking for loyal employees.
