Decode 'Gen Z Work Culture' Without Losing Your Mind

As Gen Z enters the workforce, they bring fresh values and unique strengths. A recent survey found that 1 in 6 companies are hesitant to hire Gen Z employees for reasons such as lack of professionalism, teamwork, and poor communication, etc. With an entire culture influenced by social media, mental health is a major concern for this generation.  National Institute of Health reported 9 out of 10 Gen Z individuals faced anxiety and 8 out of 10 faced depression.  Their comfort with discussing mental health brings transparency to an ever-evolving workplace culture. This new generation of employees are unwilling to sacrifice their mental state for a paycheck, and it's costing businesses too much to replace them.

Here are 5 ways companies can transition Gen Z into the workforce effectively:

1. Encourage a culture that values mental health. Provide access to counseling, wellness programs, or mental health days. This can make a dramatic shift in the attitudes and value the Gen Z employee places on their employer.

2. DISC assessments help individual’s identify unique strengths, weaknesses, and working style. It offers a detailed view on personality traits, how they approach tasks, interact with coworkers, and respond to challenges. Understanding these traits can help managers put employees in roles that are best suited.
3. Pair them with experienced mentors/coworkers or offer professional trainings to help close the gap of relevant work experience. This can sustain employment.
4. Clearly outline expectations around responsibilities, attire, punctuality, and teamwork. This helps them recognize established routines.
5. Gen Z is a tech-savvy generation that appreciates flexibility in work arrangements. Digital tools and hybrid work models allow more productivity and balance.

Sometimes the attitude the manager has is, "it's not my job to teach them." However in order to stay competitive, companies need to recognize that Gen Z’s approach to work values mental health, work-life balance, and social connection over traditional measures of success. By embracing this evolution, companies create a sustainable workplace that sets Gen Z and future generations up for the success of employees.

Ready to build a workplace where every generation can be successful? Connect to start implementing strategies such as the DISC assessment to that engage and empower Gen Z. Let’s shape the future of work together.