Diversity is trending in today’s workplace, and none exemplifies this more than the Gen Z workforce.
Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Zs are currently the youngest generation in the workplace.
Yet, despite their tender age, they’re already leaving their mark on the workplace.
For one, their digital literacy enables them to quickly adapt to an online work from home setup. This places them in the odd position of teaching their older co-workers how to use modern tools and apps at work.
Aside from this, Gen Z employees are often highly educated, driven, independent, and eager to learn new skills. On the other hand, they also prize work flexibility, mental health, and a healthy work-life balance.
Because of these differences in values, communication styles, and work preferences, many older managers struggle to manage their Gen Z team members.
If you’re one of these managers, here are some tips to help adapt your management style for your Gen Z team members.
Foster Healthy Collaboration and Communication
Gen Zs greatly value healthy social interactions. They want to feel they belong to a team rather than working with strangers behind a screen.
Thus, to manage your Gen Z team members more effectively, regularly provide opportunities for them to interact with the rest of the team.
Since you’re working remotely, this can be in the form of Zoom meetings or through online group chats. Doing so helps foster camaraderie and a sense of belonging within the team.
Aside from this, remember to provide feedback and check in with your Gen Z employees. This helps them know whether they’re on the right track at work and what your expectations are.
Support Their Growth and Development
Although every generation wants to advance their careers, the Gen Z workforce is the most vocal about it.
Gen Z workers want to work in a company offering career growth and one that recognizes and rewards their efforts.
As a manager, you can support their growth by knowing more about their goals and sending them to the appropriate seminars, workshops, and mentorship programs.
Adapt to New Technology
One defining feature of Gen Z employees is that they’re digital natives. Unlike their parents and grandparents, they have little to no memory of a time without WiFi or social media.
To help close the communication and technology gap, familiarize yourself with digital tools and apps they use for work.
This helps you better understand how your Gen Z team members accomplish their tasks so you can manage them more effectively.
Embrace a Healthy Work-Life Balance
After witnessing hustle culture’s extreme effects on their predecessors, Gen Zs value their mental health and work-life balance even more.
This doesn’t mean they don’t want to work, as some boomers may think. Quite the contrary.
However, despite being hardworking and driven, they won’t sacrifice their health for their jobs. They also want more control over where and when they work.
Savvy managers understand this and are generally flexible about their preferences, so long as it doesn’t negatively affect their productivity.
Promote Inclusivity
Most Gen Z workers prefer working in a healthy and inclusive workplace.
Thus, managers must foster a culture of respect and acceptance where all team members feel valued, regardless of their background.
Enable Autonomy
Although they generally work well with a team, Gen Zs also value their autonomy while working.
By adopting an empowering leadership style for your Gen Z employees, you’ll be able to enable them to be more independent.
Managing the New Generation of Remote Workers
Despite their age, Gen Z workers are rapidly changing the modern workplace.
By following the points above, you can bridge the generational gap with your Gen Z team members and manage them more effectively.
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