It doesn’t have to be World War Z in the office.
LinkedIn career expert Charlotte Davies is sharing five tips for working with Gen Zers, who have recently come under fire for blowing off interviews and even ghosting employers on the first day of work.
“As a generation who entered the workforce amongst hybrid and remote workplace settings, Gen Z are missing out on informal observations and vital cues that traditionally guide behavior and collaboration, so it’s vital that employees actively engage with them in a meaningful way,” Davies told the Daily Mail on Sunday.
With Gen Zers — those born between 1997 and 2012 — expected to comprise about a quarter of the global workforce by 2025, Davies recommends learning about their career motivations, supporting their professional development, and listening to their ideas. Here’s how.
Figure out what motivates them
“It’s well documented that Gen Z are strong advocates for work-life balance and have different attitudes towards work styles,” Davies said. “Consider taking a step back to understand why this resonates with them so much.”
A survey Georgetown University conducted last year of workers 24 to 35 years old found that a flexible work schedule and greater work-life balance are key to their happiness.
Poll participants cited eight paid time off and flexible work benefits among the top 10 most desired perks.
“It’s our responsibility as leaders in business to understand the changing nature of work so that we can build a future that enables current and future generations to thrive,” Paul Almeida, dean and William R. Berkley Chair at Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business, said in a statement at the time.
Aid their professional development
A 2023 analysis by the management consulting firm Korn Ferry revealed that 76% of Gen Z employees acknowledge that learning and development boosts their engagement in the workplace.
Davies said LinkedIn data shows that 38% of Gen Zers claim they’d ask a member of a different generation for career advice.
“Our research shows that half of employees recognize that professionals who started their careers in the pandemic, predominantly Gen Z, need additional support with developing soft skills such as communication, leadership and empathy,” Davies noted to the Daily Mail.
Soft skills — traits that are hard to quantify but are important for building relationships in the workplace — also include teamwork, problem-solving, time management, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and persuasion.
“Try opening up avenues to actively engage with your Gen Z colleagues by welcoming them into conversations and asking for their opinions and feedback,” Davies advised. “Fostering open communication in a workplace is beneficial to all employees and creates stronger teams.”
Establish ‘experiential learning environments’
Davies recommends engaging in team brainstorms and in-person meetings so Gen Zers can comfortably share their ideas.
They can build their professional network and gain confidence in their industry if you invite them to networking events and introduce them to other businesspeople.
Tap them to be your reverse mentor
Instead of dismissing Gen Z’s workplace advice, Davies suggests embracing it by committing to reverse mentoring, which is when a younger or more junior employee mentors a more experienced colleague.
“This relationship can help you stay on top of current workplace trends and also develop your own career, whilst simultaneously promoting the development of skills such as leadership, communication and networking for your Gen Z colleagues,” Davies explained to the Daily Mail.
Don’t judge their workplace values
“Try to leave your preconceptions at the door and take the time to appreciate that they entered the workforce at different and unprecedented times, and have different priorities as a result,” Davies counsels.
“Instead of working against Gen Z’s distinct approach to the working world, take advantage of their drive to improve via regular check-ins with line managers that offer constructive and real-time feedback, as this will serve to keep Gen Z employees engaged and motivated,” she added.
