How to Work with Gen Z: A Guide for Employers
Gen Z, also known as "Zoomers," refers to the generation born roughly between the late 1990s and early 2010s. They are now entering the workforce, and many employers are wondering how best to collaborate with them.
💡 The short answer? Treat them the way you would have wanted to be treated when you were 20 years old. Not much has changed in the grand scheme of things. Just 5–10 years ago, similar questions were being asked about Millennials (the generation born in the 1980s and 1990s). Millennials were often perceived by older generations as too soft, too demanding about work conditions, lazy, or difficult to understand.
If you dig deeper, you'll notice a recurring pattern: watch any American teen movie from the 1980s, and you'll see the same rebellious youth that older generations grumbled about back then. Ironically, those "rebels" are now part of today’s older generation, perhaps even echoing similar complaints about Gen Z.
So, how do you work effectively with Gen Z? Here are some key principles:
🫂 Pay Attention to Them
Take time for one-on-one conversations with your employees. Be ready to listen actively and respond thoughtfully to their concerns or requests. Showing genuine interest in their perspectives builds trust and rapport.
💃 Be Flexible
Gen Z values flexibility in their work environment. While working from home or scheduling tasks around personal activities (like swimming or hobbies) might seem unconventional to you, it could be the most productive arrangement for them. Adaptability is key.
🎭 Consider Their Well-Being
A happy employee is a productive employee. It's in your best interest to ensure that your team feels comfortable at work—even if their definition of "comfort" differs from yours. Prioritize mental health and create an environment where they feel supported.
💡 Listen to Their Ideas
Gen Z tends to be socially active and highly engaged, especially if your organization’s mission aligns with their values. If your target audience includes Zoomers, their input is invaluable. Even if a suggestion seems unusual or "wild," try to understand its underlying rationale—it might lead to innovation.
🎯 Balance Employee Comfort with Organizational Goals
While ensuring employee satisfaction is important, don’t lose sight of your organization's mission and objectives. Periodically evaluate whether resources (time, money, energy) are being spent efficiently or if they’re disproportionately focused on internal matters rather than achieving external goals.
Finally, embrace the inevitable generational grumbling—it's part of the cycle! After all, we’re all just teenagers at heart with a few gray hairs thrown in.
By focusing on communication, flexibility, and mutual respect, you can create a thriving workplace where Gen Z employees feel valued—and where your organization can achieve its goals effectively.
