The working world has seen incredible transformation in just a short period of time. From remote work to technological advances, it’s clear that change is necessary for organizations to keep up with new trends. One big wave we can expect to affect businesses is the influx of Gen Z workers, who are beginning to enter the workforce. By 2030, they’ll make up around 30% of it. They aren’t just coming into work; they’re looking to make their demands heard and felt by the business world. Compared to other generations — who often ask for better benefits or increased pay — Gen Zs demand to change the status quo. Their desire for work-life balance and greater flexibility is poised to disrupt and destabilize the nature of work as we know it. As more of them continue to start their careers, here are some ways they’ll be making shifts in work culture:
Pushing for inclusion
Rather than conforming to the business’s values, Gen Zs have become more adamant about joining companies that are firm in their social stances and take the proper action to show it. Diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DE&I) are among the most important things they look for when considering a job. A diverse workforce, opportunities for people of color to advance in their careers, and a genuine, outspoken commitment to standing with marginalized communities are significant aspects of Gen Z job hunting. This generation wants to see their work’s impact and has little to no tolerance for performative (but ultimately meaningless) gestures.
With inclusion becoming a requirement in the workplace environment, it’s highly likely that work culture will shift to making diversity a priority and that employees of color, LGBTQ+ staff, and other workers from disadvantaged communities get their opportunities to grow and shine. To appeal to Gen Z talent, companies should consider developing their DEI framework and implementing this with sincerity.
Quitting — a new approach
Gone are the days of the grin-and-bear-it attitude of the boomers. Gen Zs are unlikely to accept workplace mistreatment and unfair conditions. Many have no qualms about quitting their job even after just six months of working there if they feel they aren’t being cared for by the company.
The power of ‘quitfluencers’ greatly affects Gen Zs as well. When a skilled worker quits for another opportunity elsewhere, they can spur other workers to pursue the same path. Around 50% of those influenced by someone else quitting will also leave. If the workplace doesn’t take the time to understand this movement, businesses will quickly lose a lot of talent seeking better pay, opportunities, and working conditions. Looking at how your organization handles these and building greater corporate empathy can help develop stronger employee engagement, minimizing the worst effects caused by quitfluencers.
Striking a balance
Like the Millennials before them, Gen Zs seek a more steady work culture, allowing them to balance their work and private lives better. Both generations seek more flexible work opportunities after experiencing more time for themselves during the pandemic. It’s become so much of a priority that most wouldn’t want to be a part of a company with no hybrid or remote work setups.
Mental health has also become necessary to Gen Z, who have noticed that a workplace culture that values long hours is a significant contributor to the decline of mental wellness. With comfort and balance becoming a must, businesses must ensure that their employees’ personal needs are being met and that they have more control over their hours and workload. A workplace culture where employees must bend to the company’s whims is no longer in style, and Gen Zs are very much making that known.
It’s apparent that Gen Zs have their values and priorities in order and are not looking to join companies that compromise them. Rather than adhering to the workplace, they’re clamoring for change, for better action, and for business to be genuine and authentic. If companies want to tap into this highly ambitious and talented labor force, workplace culture must become more inclusive, accommodating, and flexible.
