23rd August 2022
Future of work: Why organizations need to meet the holistic needs of Gen Z talent
The pandemic arrived before many Gen Z employees had the opportunity to take their first steps in the world of work, and as a result, many are only now getting their first taste of office life.
The holistic needs of Gen Z employees
But as numerous organizations ask their people to return to the workplace, we need to determine if Gen Z employees are prepared to accept a wage to work in an office full time for leaders that fail to recongnize what their people need from employment?
According to Jingfang Cai, Vice President of Talent Development at LinkedIn, they are not.
Jingfang Cai says:
“We’re seeing this young cohort of workers demand that employers care about them as whole people, and the ability to understand their career path is worth more than a paycheck.”
The future of work
A study by Oxford economics predicts that by 2030 Gen Z’s will account for almost a third of total employment across major parts of Europe, Australasia, and North America.
Therefore, attracting and retaining Gen Z talent will be critical to ongoing organizational success in the coming years.
Next steps: attracting and retaining Gen Z talent
In this article, Danielle Abril offers some key areas of focus leaders looking to attract and retain Gen Z talent.
From the article:
Flexibility is key. Gen Z either wants hybrid or remote options, Jingfang Cai says, so companies may want to consider offering flexible options that allow workers to choose what makes sense for them.
Communicate and demonstrate values. Gen Z wants to know what their employers value, how that’s being prioritized and what investments are being made as a result, she says. Wellness is often a value the generation prioritizes, according to Gallup.
Review the wording of the job listing. Ensure that entry-level jobs don’t require years of experience, as you may be missing out on an entire crop of young talent, Jingfang Cai says.
Prioritize learning. Gen Z wants to grow and learn, she says, so make sure your openings also include opportunities for training, professional growth and mentorship.
Create diverse and inclusive workplaces. Gen Z considers it imperative to work at a job that promotes respect, equity and inclusion, according to Gallup surveys.
Ethical leadership is a must. Gen Z wants to know their leaders are ethical, expect action to address moral blind spots and want to know their work has a positive impact on the world, Gallup polls show.
Read the full article, here.
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