Creating a Gen Z-Friendly Culture: Insights from Global HR Professionals✨

HR Professionals from Foodpanda, Unilever, and other HR consulting firms share their perspectives on creating a culture that can help Gen Z flourish.

Hello and welcome to the very first edition of Hired!🤗

We can almost hear the collective groan of "not another dull HR newsletter." But trust us, we've gone all out to create something that will actually make you look forward to checking your inbox.

This week, we are going to talk about Gen Z, a generation born between 1995-2010. They currently make up 30 percent of the world's population and are expected to account for 27 percent of the workforce by 2025. 

As Gen Z enters the workforce, they bring with them a strong drive to shape the future of work.

Here are some stats to give you an idea:

For 32% of Gen Z, good work-life balance is the top reason they work for their current employer. Other top reasons include learning and development opportunities (29%), high salary (24%), positive workplace culture (23%), and career advancement opportunities (23%).

For HR professionals, such as yourself, Gen Z is a force to reckon with. One of your biggest challenges is to create a workplace environment where Gen Z can feel seen, heard, and appreciated for their hard work. 

What This Newsletter Contains👀

🧠 How Gen Z Think: Exploring Gen Z Psychology 

🍃 Gen Z Workplace Priorities and HR Perspectives

🤖 AI Tip for Creating a Gen Z-friendly Culture 

So, let’s get started. Shall we?

🧠 Understanding How Gen Z Think 

Today we tap into the mindset of a generation like no other – a generation that is extremely vocal about what they want. And they often brag about their unwavering refusal to compromise on that standard. 

Let’s dig in a little deeper:

Growing Up in the Era of Technology

Gen Z, also known as the "digital natives", is a generation that has no idea what the world looked like before the internet. They are pros at navigating various digital platforms and are often considered highly tech-savvy. 

Gen Z's relationship with technology has shaped their worldview, influencing their communication styles, social interactions, and even their approach to work and learning. 

Finding Purpose in Social and Environmental Responsibilities

Gen Z emphasizes a lot on environmental issues, such as the impact of climate change. Experiencing the effects of climate change firsthand encourages them to work for organizations that are doing something about it. Instead of just going for the pay cheque, they prefer environmentally and socially responsible organizations.

Championing Self-Discovery

Gen Z is a generation that places significant emphasis on finding their identity and expressing their individuality. Growing up in a highly connected world, they have access to diverse perspectives and ideas from across the globe. This exposure has fueled their curiosity and desire to explore and define who they are as individuals.

🍃Gen Z at Work: Understanding their Priorities and Perspectives from HR

As employers and HR professionals strive to understand the values and expectations of Gen Z, it becomes essential to understand what constitutes an ideal workplace for retaining and engaging Gen Z employees.

Let's delve into the factors that shape the worldviews and work views of Gen Z:

Deeply Caring About Workplace Values

Gen Z is smart enough to recognize whether a company is actually putting into practice the values and mission statement it so proudly and loudly preaches. 

Valuing a Workplace that Prioritizes Mental Wellbeing

Gen Z recognizes the importance of mental health and seeks a supportive work environment that acknowledges and addresses these concerns. They appreciate organizations that are vocal about mental well-being, openly discussing topics such as stress management, work-life balance, and self-care.

Ditching the Traditional 9-5 Culture

For increased productivity, Gen Z prefers a culture that gives them the freedom to set their own schedules, including "non-traditional" work hours, remote or hybrid work alternatives, and more paid time off. 

Believe it or not but for the vast majority of Gen Zers, the days of working a typical 9–5 job while sulking in a cubicle are over. 

Placing Emphasis on Work-Life Balance

Gen Z places a strong emphasis on work-life balance. They value flexibility in their work schedules and seek opportunities that allow them to pursue their passions and interests outside of work. 

According to a January 2022 LinkedIn survey, Gen Z is the generation most likely (72%) to have either left — or consider leaving — a job because their employer did not offer a feasible flexible work policy (compared to 69% of millennials, 53% of Gen X, and 59% of boomers).

Embracing Continuous Learning and Growth

Gen Z is highly motivated to learn and grow in the workplace. They value opportunities for professional development, skill-building, and acquiring new knowledge. According to LinkedIn's most recent Workplace Confidence Survey, 40% of Gen Zers are willing to accept a pay drop of up to 5% of their compensation for a position that offers higher professional growth, compared to 26% of all workers.

🤖Quick AI Tip: Incorporate Personalized AI-Powered Chatbot

Gen Z employees are digital-savvy and value quick and personalized interactions. Incorporating a personalized AI-powered chatbot in your HR processes can significantly improve culture and engagement. Here’s how: 

An AI chatbot can be integrated into internal communication platforms where Gen Z employees can access real-time support for HR-related inquiries, such as HR policies, benefits, insurance, vacation, and sick time. With consistent responses and 24/7 availability, the chatbot fosters a culture of responsiveness, accessibility, and inclusivity, making Gen Z employees feel heard, valued, and supported.

This is it for this time. 

See you next time.👋🏼

Best,

Team Qureos