“Workplaces do not understand nor are adapting to meet the evolving demands of Britain’s growing, younger workforce.” That’s the finding of HR News in response to the State of Hybrid Work report by Owl Labs.
The report revealed that 53% of 18-24-year-olds have switched employers in the past two years. 26% did it because they wanted a better work life balance. 31% did it to address burnout. The disaffection felt by Gen Z is behind the practice of ‘quiet quitting’, that is, doing only what’s required rather than going the extra mile.
So what does Gen Z want? According to the survey, quite a lot. 35% want a four-day working week (and three quarters would take a pay cut to get it). They want flexibility over work location. They want better tech. 42% want an office metaverse. Some of this, you may feel is entirely reasonable. Every generation wants something new. Some of it, you may feel, is a bit much. Some of what at first seems excessive could prove an eye-opening opportunity if employers only had the chance to explore the issues with their Gen Z workers.
Gen Z denied opportunities?
But that, it seems, is part of the problem. So many Gen Z workers joined the workforce during the pandemic that they haven’t had the face-to-face conversations to build confidence and understanding and to build relationships with managers. More than half feel this will affect their chances of promotion and progression. Companies need to be alert to the disadvantages their Gen Z employees have faced and put training and development plans in place to put them on a level playing field with other workers.
Frank Weishaupt, CEO of Owl Labs said, “It’s clear that companies need to modernise their policies and technology to cater to this growing, digital-native generation. Flexibility is key to retaining this generation of workers who want to maintain a better work-life balance. Offering alternative approaches to the typical working week and empowering all employees with better technology to collaborate, and connect, will be crucial. This tech-forward generation also provides an abundant source of knowledge when it comes to upgrading a company’s tech stack. Listening to their needs and expectations will most likely benefit the entire workforce and create a more engaging hybrid work environment.”
What’s your take on the expectations of Gen Z? If you are a member of Gen Z, what’s your reaction to the study? Tell us @JustPayrollLtd
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