By Sam Borsari
Characterized as digital natives and the generation who “expects it all,” Gen Z workers remain in the limelight among executives and HR leaders. But it’s not their unique traits or modern thinking that has everyone talking… It’s their engagement levels. Nearly 65% report being unengaged, and 47% say they plan to voluntarily leave their current organization within the next six months.
With this group expected to make up over 30% of the workforce population by 2030, this presents a problem.
While it’s impossible to generalize an entire generation or rely on a one-size-fits-all approach, my goal is to offer some perspective on the question, ‘How do you increase engagement with your Gen Z workforce?’ as a fellow Gen Z myself.
As part one of the series… Let’s begin here.
The Work They Do Needs to Mean Something….
“What’s the point?” That’s what your Gen Z employees will say to themselves if they cannot clearly distinguish how their role is helping the mission of the organization or the future of their career. Having purpose means everything to someone in this generation and it’s because of the mentality that life is short – too short to waste it doing anything that they find unfulfilling and or without meaning. With social media constantly showcasing “what could be”….flashy images of influencers, young entrepreneurs running their own businesses, or people quitting their jobs to sail to Hawaii (yes, I’m referring to the TikTok series), it fuels comparison at every level, and with it, an ever-present sense of urgency to create that same image for themselves.
The danger is that work without purpose quickly morphs into a purely transactional activity. It’s just a way for them to pay the bills or fill the gap until something better comes along. For employers, that’s a scary reality. For Gen Z, it’s one of the root causes of disengagement. Why would they go the extra mile when they can’t see the road ahead, or better yet, when the path already feels like a dead end?
What Can You Do as Employers?
Growing up in an age of instant gratification, hands on parenting, and pre-set schedules, Gen Z can struggle with clearly visualizing how their job relates to the bigger picture. This is where you come in.
- Communicate. Communicate. Communicate. Sit down for regular check-ins and work to understand the true motivations behind your Gen Z employee. Be upfront about how their role ties into the greater mission of the company and how it can help them build the skills they need to succeed. Demonstrate the importance of their work and show genuine appreciation for what they contribute. If they can’t see the meaning behind their job, help them find it. Help them connect the dots even if it takes more concentrated effort.
- Assist with Career Pathing. If you have a high-potential Gen Z employee, don’t assume they can see the future you envision for them. Vocalizing how they fit into the company’s long-term picture and mapping out career paths that align with their interests and goals helps them see a future with your company. It gives them direction and meaning. By clearly outlining what their future could look like, and the steps they need to take to get there, you help them visualize purpose.
- Invest in their Future. Investing in their growth through professional development programs, mentorship opportunities, and training that aligns with the skills they want to sharpen is another critical factor. Gen Z values growth, and when their role actively helps them build those skills, it creates meaning and reinforces why they chose you as an employer.
- Give Them a Voice. Let Gen Z have a seat at the table. This doesn’t mean handing over the executive seat but letting them voice their concerns or ideas is important. Letting them sit in on cross-functional team meetings, asking them for feedback on new initiatives, and giving them a safe space to share their voice, reinforces that their role has purpose and their perspective matters. When they see their input leading to real change, even in small ways, it helps to deepen engagement.
Long story short, increasing engagement among Gen Z starts with showing them the meaning behind their job and the future they’re working toward. It’s about providing guidance and taking the time to know them as people.