Gen Z Employees: The Future Leaders Shaping Your Workforce

Continuous learning and career development opportunities are also important for Gen Z as they look to grow their skillsets. A study by FDM revealed that 74% of Gen Z professionals have considered quitting their jobs due to a lack of opportunity to build new skills. They look for companies that provide upskilling, mentorship, and leadership training to help them become future leaders. 

Diversity and Inclusion 

Gen Z is the most diverse generation yet, and they expect this to be reflected in leadership teams and overall company culture. A Glassdoor study found that 77% of Gen Z candidates consider a company’s diversity level when deciding where to work, showing that inclusivity massively influences the decisions they make. 

For expert insights on the importance of diversity in leadership, read our recent blog. 

Ethics and Sustainability 

Gen Z is very purpose-driven, and they care deeply about companies adopting ethical practices and being environmentally friendly. They also expect companies to approach the topic of mental health with compassion and understanding, so providing a supportive work culture that prioritizes the well-being of its employees is crucial. 

Common Misconceptions of Gen Z Employees 

"Lazy and Entitled" 

One of the most common criticisms of Gen Z is that they lack a strong work ethic. However, they are actually highly ambitious and motivated to engage in meaningful work. They don’t look for roles that provide a flexible work-life balance because they’re lazy, but because they believe in working in the most productive possible way for them. 

They challenge the traditional notion that hard work must equal long hours by focusing on outcomes rather than time spent on a project, which is increasingly pushing businesses towards result-driven performance metrics. 

"Addicted to Social Media" 

Gen Z growing up surrounded by social media has led some to believe they are distracted and unfocused. However, while it’s true social platforms are central to their lives, they also serve as powerful tools for networking and career growth. 

When some may think they are scrolling aimlessly, Gen Z are often using platforms like LinkedIn to build personal brands, stay informed about industry trends, and connect with professionals worldwide. Even platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become useful for learning and professional development, positioning social media as a key aspect of the modern workplace. 

"Overly Demanding" 

Some employers see Gen Z’s expectations regarding flexibility, diversity, and mental health support as unreasonable or even selfish. But Gen Z employees aren’t asking for special treatment, they are pushing for workplace improvements that benefit all employees. They want to work for companies that align with their values and ethics, so businesses need to ensure they are inclusive and supportive. 

"Lack of Knowledge and Skills" 

Because they are the youngest generation in the workforce, some employers assume Gen Z lacks the skills needed to succeed. However, a study by TimelyCare found that 57% of Gen Z attended university between the ages of 18 and 21, compared to 52% of Millennials, and 43% of Gen X at similar ages. 

This education provides them with key soft skills such as adaptability, problem-solving, and tech expertise that are essential in the modern, dynamic workplace. They may have less traditional work experience, but forward-thinking businesses that adopt skills first hiring practices are positioned to benefit from the transferable skills they possess and thrive long-term. 

For expert insights on how to adopt a skills first hiring practice and future proof your business, explore our recent blog. 

How to Attract Gen Z Talent 

Embrace Technology 

Gen Z has grown up in a digital world, so it’s important to fully embrace technology and integrate it into your business. In fact, 91% of Gen Z say that technology influences their job choice when selecting an employer, according to Dell. Offering the latest technologies in both office and remote working settings results in an efficient, modern workplace that appeals to this generation. 

Provide Flexibility 

Flexibility is imperative for Gen Z employees, and many will choose companies with hybrid working options over those with rigid work schedules that demand in-office presence. You don’t have to offer fully remote working, but offering hybrid models and flexible hours will make your company more attractive to all talent demographics, including Gen Z. 

Show Your Commitment to Diversity 

With Gen Z embracing diversity and equality, if you’re not actively building an inclusive workplace, you could be missing out on skilled talent. But it’s not enough to just say you’re committed to these values; you need to live and breathe them. 

You should highlight your company’s ethical values by being transparent about your hiring practices, leadership diversity, and sustainability efforts to demonstrate your commitment to a fair and equal workplace. 

Prioritize Mental Health and Wellbeing 

According to Business Insider, 60% of Gen Z employees say mental health benefits are a key factor when choosing an employer. If you don’t offer wellness programs, mental health days, or access to therapy, you might struggle to attract talent from this generation. 

Strengthen Your Employer Brand Online 

Before applying for a role with your company, Gen Z talent is likely to research your business on LinkedIn, Instagram, Glassdoor, and maybe even TikTok. If your online presence is inactive or outdated, they may choose to work elsewhere, so it’s important to use social media to showcase your company culture, highlight employee experiences, and promote your values. 

How to Manage and Retain Gen Z Employees 

Encourage Open Communication 

The modern generation expects transparency and regular catch-ups, with a study by Gallup revealing that 60% of Gen Z employees want feedback on a weekly basis, compared to just 30% of Gen X. 

To keep your employees engaged, you should implement regular one-on-one meetings and encourage open communication. This will create a culture where employees feel comfortable voicing their opinions and know their input is valued, ultimately improving employee retention. 

Invest in Career Growth and Development 

If you don’t offer career progression opportunities, Gen Z employees will look to advance their career with a different business. To avoid this, you should provide opportunities to upskill, attend leadership training, and participate in mentorship programs. 

Their passions and long-term career vision may change over time, so allow them to explore lateral moves and work on different projects within your company. By offering clear pathways for progression, you can retain Gen Z talent and continue to innovate and thrive long-term. 

Personalize Work Arrangements 

Gen Z talent thrives in workplaces that acknowledge individuality. Some employees may prefer remote work, while others prefer working within an office environment. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, you should offer flexible work arrangements that cater to different working styles, as this will keep your employees motivated and decrease the chances of burnout. 

Recognize and Reward Contributions 

Gen Z employees want to know their work matters, and they usually respond well to instant feedback, recognition, and tangible rewards for their contributions. Because of this, implementing online recognition platforms and celebrating achievements in team meetings can help you successfully manage and retain Gen Z employees. 

Support Mental Health and Work-Life Balance 

Having a stressful or unsupportive work environment is likely to cause you to lose Gen Z talent. According to Gallup, employees facing a work-life imbalance are at a significantly higher risk of burnout, making them 2.6 times more likely to actively seeking new job opportunities. 

To retain Gen Z employees, you should create a culture that values work-life balance. You can do this by encouraging healthy work habits, such as switching off after work hours, taking mental health days, and setting realistic workloads. 

Attract Future Leaders with CSG Talent 

At CSG Talent, our executive search specialists connect businesses with skilled professionals who drive success across a wide range of industries. Our market expertise, extensive network, and talent strategy services ensure that you secure the right talent to shape the future of your business and drive innovation. 

If you’re looking to build a diverse, innovative workforce, contact CSG Talent for help attracting the next generation of industry leaders.