Understanding Generation Z in Business
Management Strategies and Leadership Tips
The New Face of Generation Z Workforce
Generation Z is an important part of the workforce. When the characteristics of Generation Z are understood and employee engagement is ensured with the right management tactics, business success will follow.
By 2025, Generation Z is expected to make up 27% of the workforce in OECD countries and one-third of the global population. According to the data, regardless of the sector, Generation Z will make up the vast majority of the future workforce.
Companies that can manage this huge force - the next generation - will be able to drive financial growth while ensuring employee engagement. However, it is very difficult to answer the question “How should Generation Z employees be managed?”. Especially in Turkey, there is a serious lack of information on this subject.
For this reason, we analyzed the researches and prepared an article on Generation Z characteristics and managerial tactics.
What are the Distinctive Characteristics of Generation Z?
The question that needs to be answered before moving on to managerial tactics is what kind of employee profile managers are facing. In other words, we would like to answer the question “Who is Generation Z and what are their values?”.
Generation Z are the children of the digital world. To understand them, you should take into account their basic characteristics:
1. Digital World Mastery: The internet and social media are shaping the way they access information and communicate.
2. Ability to Multitask: They can multitask but need tools that support focus.
3. Creativity and Innovation: They enjoy generating new ideas and embrace creative solutions.
4. Independence and Leadership: They like to make their own decisions and take leadership opportunities.
5. Social Responsibility Awareness: They are sensitive to environmental sustainability, equality and social justice.
Incorporate the Values of Generation Z into Your Business Strategy
After recognizing this generation, managers are faced with the questions of how to communicate and which strategy should be implemented.
Generation Z is a determined and confident generation. The main values they adopt in business life:
- Diversity and Inclusion: They prefer workplaces that accept differences.
- Meaningful Work: They prefer jobs that provide both financial gain and social benefits.
- Work-Life Balance: They value flexible working conditions.
- Honesty and Transparency: They expect open communication from managers and employers.
Golden Rules for Managing Generation Z
In order to effectively manage Generation Z at work, the strategy you set must be aligned with your brand goals. Although the goals change, the unchanging truths of communication with Generation Z are listed as follows.
1. Invest in Technology
Generation Z likes to work in a technology-enabled workplace. Optimize business processes using digital tools and mobile applications.
2. Establish a Social Media Presence
If your brand is active on platforms such as Instagram, YouTube and TikTok, it increases the loyalty of Generation Z employees to your brand.
3. Create an Inclusive Culture
Create a work environment that encourages open dialogues, embraces differences and makes employees feel valued.
4. Support Mental Health and Flexible Working
Generation Z values mental health and prefers flexible working conditions. Create policies in line with these expectations.
5. Instant Feedback and Appreciation
Generation Z employees expect immediate feedback and recognition for their achievements. Provide constructive feedback on a regular basis.
6. Offer Clear Career Paths
Provide opportunities for advancement and development in your workplace for this generation that values career development. You can create training and mentoring programs.
How to Gain Competitive Advantage?
Generation Z has the potential to lead change and innovation in the business world. Businesses that develop strategic approaches to understand and manage them can gain a competitive advantage and achieve sustainable growth.
