Gen Z workforce surge challenges traditional corporate culture
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — Generation Z workers are poised to outnumber baby boomers this year, bringing with them a fresh set of expectations and challenges for employers.
This demographic change is prompting companies to reassess their management strategies and workplace practices to better engage and retain their youngest employees.
Adapting to new expectations in corporate culture
Christine Heckart, a seasoned Silicon Valley executive, emphasized that younger generations seek meaning, mentorship, and purpose in their work.
“They want security and this chance to matter,” Heckart told The Wall Street Journal.
“When they’re not heard, when they don’t have an opportunity to grow, when they’re not appreciated, then they check out pretty quickly.”
Companies are responding to these demands in various ways. Some are implementing more frequent feedback sessions, moving away from traditional annual reviews.
Rajesh Vashist, CEO of SiTime, noted, “The younger crowd lives on feedback.” His company has introduced quarterly check-ins and a mentorship program for high-performing junior employees.
Navigating communication challenges for Gen Z workforce
The pandemic has significantly impacted how Gen Z entered the workforce, with many starting their careers remotely. This has led to challenges in understanding workplace norms and building relationships within companies.
Executives at Booking Holdings, the company behind travel sites like Priceline, have noticed younger workers often require extra guidance on presentations and communication etiquette.
CEO Glenn Fogel mentioned, “Nobody told them how to be,” referring to the fact that many of these young employees are navigating their first professional roles without the benefit of close in-person mentoring.
Other companies are also updating their perks to appeal to younger workers. Synchrony Financial, for example, introduced on-site therapy sessions after new Gen Z hires expressed a desire for mental health support.
“Maybe 25 or 30 years ago, it would have been a gym,” said DJ Casto, Synchrony’s chief human resources officer. “Now, it’s someone to help me figure out how to have the right mental wellness.”
While these changes are often driven by Gen Z preferences, many companies find that older employees also appreciate and benefit from these new approaches.
As the workforce continues to evolve, businesses that can successfully adapt to these changing expectations may find themselves better positioned to attract and retain talent across all generations.
