The Real Reason Gen Z Don’t Want To Work!
Gen Z is the latest generation to enter the workforce and with the advantage of growing up in the digital age with internet access, new technology, and digital tools, there is no doubt they have lots to offer within the workplace.
However, Genz is not like other generations.
Growing up seeing the possibility of entrepreneurship, making money online, and being their own boss, means it’s going to take a lot more to attract and retain this generation.
In this blog, we’ll look at the data on what key things Gen Z care about, provide actionable strategies to help attract and retain this youthful talent, and offer suggestions to help you support the next generation.
Contents
The Real Reason Gen Z Don’t Want to Work (Video)
What Do Gen Z Care About When Looking for a Job?
What Companies Can Do to Attract Gen Z Talent?
Supporting the Wellbeing of Gen Z
The Real Reason Gen Z Don’t Want to Work (Video)
What Do Gen Z Care About When Looking for a Job?
It would be easy to make assumptions about the most important things for Gen Z but data shows, it’s probably not what you think it is.
Of course, this youthful generation wants to be paid fairly, have great benefits, and enjoy their work but these are not the most important factors.
According to research by Gallup, the number one workplace want for Gen Z is an employer that cares about employee wellbeing.
Wellbeing is a broad topic that encompasses many things and is defined by the Oxford dictionary as “the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy”.
So, what does this mean for Gen Z?
It means that they want to feel looked after, cared for, have a sense of purpose, and be happy in their job role.
Companies that can prioritise this have the best chance of getting the most out of their workforce.
Gen Z also values flexibility.
With many Gen Z being introduced to the working world during the covid pandemic, many of them are used to working from home.
However, this doesn’t mean they solely want to work from home, but it does mean it’s what many of them are used to.
Depending on circumstances, working from home isn’t always ideal for this generation.
With many young people now flat-sharing or living with their parents, working from home often means working from their bedroom.
Sitting in one room all day isn’t ideal for most of us and if adequate equipment isn’t provided it can contribute to a range of health issues.
Whether it’s a bad back, or neck pain, loneliness or stress, working from home brings a different range of employee issues.
However, what Gen Z appear to care about is being able to have the option to visit the office or work from home depending on their circumstances.
They value flexibility!
What Companies Can Do to Attract Gen Z Talent?
Whether you’re a retail business, technology company, offer financial services, or other, these are things to consider when trying to attract Gen Z to your workforce.
Create a Great Workplace Culture
According to Microsoft approximately 46% of Gen Z and Millennials look for a positive workplace culture when it comes to their job.
Workplace culture is a combination of the values, standards, beliefs, and normal attitudes within a business and it’s an important part of Gen Z accepting a job offer.
Creating a culture that helps colleagues feel respected, appreciated, and valued are great steps toward creating a culture that Gen Z and other generations would appreciate.
Champion Employee Wellbeing initiatives
As we mentioned earlier, employee wellbeing is the number one workplace want for Gen Z, and creating wellbeing initiatives will help to attract and retain these members of staff.
Whether it’s wellbeing focused workshops, fitness challenges, mental health support, health checks, support groups, or other initiatives, ensuring some of these are in place is essential.
Without employee health and wellbeing prioritised, who is going to do the work when they’re off sick?
Gen Z is a generation that understands their wellbeing is a priority above anything else.
Offer Continuous Learning and Development
According to the LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report, 69% of Gen Z reported they are making more time to learn.
This report also shows that 76% of Gen Z employees believe that learning is the key to a successful career.
This backs up the need to offer training and development to help this generation thrive.
Companies can educate these employees on skills specific to their job role, methods to build confidence, create good habits, overcome struggles and more!
Investing in continuous learning and development is another part of attracting the next generation.
Support Great Causes
Supporting great causes seem to be more important to this generation than any before it.
According to Forbes, Gen Z are the most likely generation to say they donate because they feel it’s just the right thing to do.
Working for a company that support great causes is an attractive proposition for those seeking a job.
Charitable organisations often offer employee engagement initiatives too.
Whether it’s fund raising initiatives, sponsored events or volunteer opportunities, these can enhance sense of purpose among these employees.
Offer Flexible Work Arrangements
The demand for flexibility in the workplace has never been higher, especially among Gen Z workers.
According to a survey from Deloitte, a significant portion of Gen Z values work-life balance and seeks employment that offers flexible working hours and the option for remote work.
This generation views flexibility not just as a perk, but as a critical component of their overall job satisfaction and mental health.
Adopting flexible working involves trusting employees to manage their schedules while meeting their responsibilities.
This trust and responsibility give employees the feeling of being valued and trusted which is great for company culture and employee morale.
Although there’s a lot more to consider, these suggestions are great steps towards attracting the future of the working world.
Supporting the Wellbeing of Gen Z
While some may consider Gen Z to be a “soft” generation, they have had to deal with many modern struggles that older generations just can’t relate to.
Before the internet, people could only compare their lives to the people they knew or were in contact with.
However, the internet has opened up a whole new level of comparison that has led to digital pressures that the older generations just can’t relate to.
With the clickbait titles and negative headlines these young people have grown up with negativity constantly being thrown at them.
CNN report that compared with other generations, Gen Z are more likely to report feeling negative emotions such as stress, anxiety and loneliness and it’s not surprising giving the modern day challenges these young people face.
However, there are steps employers can put in place to help support the health and wellbeing of this age group.
Here’s a few things employers can do.
Implement Mental Health Programs
Mental health programs are a great way to show Gen Z that their mental health is being supported.
Programs can include a range of initiatives, such as:
- Mental health days
- Mental health first aiders
- Workshops
- Access to professional counselling
- Crisis intervention services
- Awareness campaigns
- And more!
Implementing a program like this shows that employee wellbeing is an important aspect of your workplace culture.
Promote Work-Life Balance
With the shift towards remote or hybrid work, the lines can sometime get blurred between work and home life.
Within any organisation it’s important to implement methods to ensure work and home life are kept separate.
Whether it’s emailing colleagues on weekends or late evenings, these are not best practices for companies trying to create a culture of balance.
Gen Z want their personal time to be respected and companies that ensure it is have the best chance of retaining and attracting these members of staff.
Encourage Physical Activity
We all know how important physical health is for our health and wellbeing but we’re not always committed to looking after it.
A workplace that encourages physical activity can help to improve the wellbeing of its workforce.
According to research by Hubspot, 49% of Gen Z work out one to three times a week, with 19% working out four to five times a week.
Data like this shows that exercise is clearly an important part of these young people’s lives.
Having an organisation that champions and encourages physical activity helps organisations align with what many Gen Z’ers value.
Whether it’s implementing wellness challenges, running clubs, providing gym membership discounts or having exercise facilities on site, these are all attractive additions to supporting the health and wellbeing of Gen Z.
Facilitate Support Groups
Support groups offer a nice way for colleagues to bond, share experiences and build connections.
They can be invaluable in the development of young individuals and can help to build confidence, learn new skills and create friendships.
An organisation that facilitates groups like this help to show Gen Z that they are more than just a person hired to do a job.
They are a valued and appreciated team member who they want to support to be the best they can be.
Forward thinking companies understand that when an employee grows, so does the company.
Ensure a Safe Working Environment
A safe working environment should be standard practice across all companies but safety doesn’t just mean ensuring people don’t trip over wires.
A safe work environment is a place where employees feel comfortable.
Ensuring there is no workplace bullying, microaggressions, or discrimination of any kind is crucial.
An environment where employees feel safe has a culture where employees feel respected, included and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.
If Gen Z do not feel safe in your organisation, it won’t be long until they leave!
Attracting Gen Z to any workforce is not always going to be easy but with the right cultures and initiatives in place companies will have a thriving workplace in no time.
At Loving Life, we help companies support the health and wellbeing of their employees, including Gen Z, for more information on our wellbeing initiatives, get in touch to see how we can help!
A happy workforce is a productive workforce.
Author
Tyler Lowe – Health & Wellbeing Speaker
BSc Sport & Exercise Rehabilitation
