Tips to Preparing Your Workplace for Generation Z
The face of the workplace is changing as older generations age out and go into retirement. That means that the fate of our workforce lies in younger generations, such as the Millennials, who were typically born between 1981 and 1995, and Generation Z, who were born between 1996 and 2010. As Gen Z finishes up college and starts to make their way into the workplace, employee retention is key, and companies are going to have to change their culture to attract and keep this young talent.
Be Tech Savvy
This generation slightly differs from Millennials, as most people who fall within that age group grew up during a time of technological transition, meaning they remember a time before and after the computer boom. Generation Z, however, grew up after the technology boom and have been immersed in tech from the time they were small children. This means that technology in the workplace not only needs to function properly, but should provide them with a seamless workplace experience if you want to avoid frustration and keep things moving efficiently.
Offer Incentives
While Millennials prefer to work in open, collaborative environments, Gen Z would rather employ an independent approach to getting work done and often are driven by competition and incentives. They are comfortable trying to find solutions to problems on their own and aren’t as likely to engage with their coworkers in collaboration. Offer friendly competitions that will engage this young, driven generation and you’ll see productivity soar. Even better, leverage technology in these competitions so they can see their results in real-time and they’ll be more engaged and willing to put in the effort to get the job done as they give in to their competitive edge.
Reconfigure Your Office Environment
It’s true that Generation Z is more competitive and willing to work in solitude than other generations but that doesn’t necessarily mean they want to be cut off from the world in a high-walls cubicle. Rather, they’d prefer options when it comes to their workplace environment so that they can choose what works best for them depending on their mood. If they need to be focused on a task, offering them space that allows them to zone out and get their work done is perfect, but you should also have an open, collaborative space for when they do need to collaborate with others on projects or tasks. Having a space that allows them to engage in both being social and being solitary is ideal for this generation.
Remember, employee retention is more than simply a pretty workspace and the latest technology. You have to also prove to your employees that you’re invested in their success, and they’ll be more likely to stay long term.
