The millennial and Gen Z generations – born between 1981-1996 and 1997-2012 respectively – now make up a large demographic of the global workforce and this number is growing. As they continue to shape and influence the modern work environment, understanding their values, work styles, and expectations is crucial for any organization aiming to attract and retain top talent.
Deloitte conducted a global survey and connected with 23,000 participants. Elizabeth Faber highlights the results perfectly in saying:
“This year’s survey spotlights two generations who are grappling with financial insecurity, high stress levels and mounting climate anxiety. They are also considering how quickly evolving technology, like GenAI, will affect their jobs and their longer-term Careers decisions… But they see reasons for optimism in the year ahead and they continue to push for the changes they want to see, in the workplace and society more broadly.”
At StaffMatters, we have noticed a huge shift in the ways these demographics have impacted most work environments and will look into the key characteristics Gen Z and Millennials bring to the workplace, highlighting how this brings positive change to the workplace. We spent hours researching online and through our own experiences to find that there is a common pattern amongst scholars and researchers:
Tech-Savvy and Adaptable:
Unlike previous generations, Millennials and the Gen Z generation grew up with technology, making them proficient with digital tools and adaptable to new tech trends. They are highly comfortable with the use of technology and are consequentially the most digitally proficient in the workplace which helps tremendously with an ever-changing technological landscape.
Value-Driven and Purpose-Oriented:
Based on Deloitte’s survey, Millennials and Gen Z are in it for more than just the paycheck. They seek to work for organizations and companies that align with their values and contribute to a greater good and are not shy to turn down a role that doesn’t meet their personal criteria. Commitment to diversity and inclusion as well as a focus on sustainability play a key deciding factor in their decision-making regarding a job offer. These qualities can help drive companies and organizations to adapt core values and adopt more that foster community engagement in the workplace and out of it.
Desire for Work-Life Balance:
Millennials and Gen Z prioritize a healthy work-life balance and see it as fundamental to enhancing work productivity and long-term employment retention. Unfortunately, Deloitte’s study outlines that stress levels and mental health is and has been a continuous concern for the past few years which is why these 2 generations value the importance of a work-life balance. Yes, some might argue that Millennials and Gen Z are potentially asking a lot of their employers when it comes to flexible work arrangements, however, they are simply requiring something that every generation previously has simply wanted but never asked for. This desire for a healthy work-life balance outlines that Millennials and Gen Z value mental health and wellbeing which will help to foster positive change in the workforce.
As StaffMatters’ resident Millennial, the survey resonated with me in a lot of ways and was truly a reflection of what most of my generation are thinking and feeling when it comes to the current working environment. Our recruiters at StaffMatters understand that the modern work environment is ever-growing and ever-changing and are here to help you find the perfect job fit that aligns to your needs, wants and desires. After all, we understand that while work is not an intrinsic link to our lives and who we are as people, it is still important to love what you do and do what you love.
Stay tuned for part 2 of this blog post where we uncover what strategies businesses can adopt in order to engage Gen Z and Millennials in the workplace!
