Hello!
Did you know that 60% of employers admit to firing GenZ employees they hired this year? These companies determined that their youngest employees had poor communication skills, lacked motivation, or had unrealistic expectations when it came to work-life balance.
Is it true? Are recent college graduates just disinterested and lazy?
It goes without saying that the workforce has changed drastically in the last five years, but how could it not? The world has changed drastically in the last five years as well. Perhaps the data we’re seeing about corporate struggles with GenZ employees doesn’t indicate an innate issue with employees, but an inability (or unwillingness) of management to adapt to those changes.
In a recent Forbes article, contributor Mark Travers challenges employers to consider GenZ’s “relationship with the traditional workplace” in order to understand the behaviors they’re seeing. While you might be unable to motivate your younger employees, it may not be their lack of motivation, but a failure of management to understand what they value most. For example, ten years ago most job seekers prioritized wages and benefits over other variables when considering a position. Today, candidates are seeking employment with companies that care about the world around them or are willing to sacrifice wages for a position that offers a more flexible schedule. In these scenarios, companies must look beyond compensation packages to get buy-in from their employees.
When the priorities of the incoming workforce change, the workplace has to adapt. Rather than making decisions that benefit the bottomline and not employees, leaders must consider what GenZ priorities indicate for the future of work. What will that look like? How do we shift from the principles and values of the previous generation to make room for this one?
As leaders, we need to stop making assumptions and start asking questions. Where can you trade outdated forms of communication for those that connect with your younger staff? What adjustments could your organization make to attract and retain GenZ talent? I’ve compiled a few resources to steer you in the right direction. Still have questions? I’d love to help you and your team navigate the changing landscape to create greater inclusion in your workplace.
Stacey Gordon, MBA
Rework Work CEO
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