Connect and engage with your Gen Z employees

Does interacting with your Generation Z employees feel like you’re trying to solve a complex puzzle? You may be “lowkey” frustrated that you can’t seem to keep them motivated and engaged, but it’s time to end your “Fomo.” Let’s “slay” building these generational bridges with these “lit” strategies for a “vibe check” with Gen Z employees.

If you want to understand these terms and relate with your Gen Z employees better, let’s ask our new resource person, Louie Lao, for his Gen Z glossary and for some tips that will help us not just understand them, but empower them as well. Here are his thoughts:

1. Embrace digital transformation

Gen Z employees were born in the era of the internet, smartphones and other evolving technologies. They are what most people call “digital natives.” They’ve never experienced life without all of this tech.

As entrepreneurs from different generations, it’s our responsibility to bridge the gap and make these Gen Zs feel understood. One way to do this is to provide them with modern tools and resources that make their work efficient. This could be a user-friendly project management tool that allows everyone to collaborate in real-time or cloud-based solutions that can enable them to work remotely.

Embracing technology not only enhances productivity but also demonstrates your commitment to staying relevant and supportive of their needs.

2. Purpose-driven culture

Gen Z employees were brought up in a relatively peaceful time where everything was idealistic and there was no war. They grew up thinking they could be whatever they wanted and crave meaningful work that aligns with their values. Usually, these values include caring for the environment, helping those in need and contributing to society.

We can show our commitment to creating a purpose-driven culture by involving our Gen Z employees in initiatives that contribute to the community or environment. Some of the initiatives that your company can do are as follows: partner with a local nonprofit organization aligned with your company’s values and organize volunteer days where Gen Z employees can actively participate in community projects, such as environmental cleanups or educational workshops for underprivileged youth.

When Gen Z employees see that their efforts are making a difference, they are motivated to go the extra mile, driving your business toward a sustainable future.

3. Support work-life balance and personal well-being

In the age of the pandemic and the work-from-home culture that dominates our current industries, work-life balance is of utmost importance to Gen Z employees.

If we want to build a strong connection with them and keep them motivated and engaged, we must accommodate certain concessions such as flexible work hours.

This allows Gen Z employees to adjust their schedules to accommodate personal commitments, such as pursuing further education or taking care of family responsibilities which, we must understand, are things that they value.

Encourage employees to take regular breaks and promote wellness initiatives, such as mindfulness workshops or on-site yoga classes, to support their overall well-being. A supportive work-life balance culture contributes to a happier and more engaged workforce.

In summary, by wholeheartedly embracing the digital world, nurturing a purpose-driven culture and championing work-life balance, we forge a powerful path not only toward engaged and productive Gen Z employees but also toward a company where our noble mission and purpose harmoniously intertwine with the values of our younger team members. Together, we create an empowering workplace where every Gen Z employee feels cherished, motivated and empowered to give their absolute best, driven by a shared vision that unites us all.

Gen Z glossary

• lowkey: something subtle/discreet

• Fomo: fear of missing out

• slay: do something well

• lit: something you find amazing/exciting/cool

• vibe check: a quick check of the vibes in any situation

Lao will facilitate a live virtual workshop titled “Essential skills for Gen Z in the workplace: Building resilience and professionalism among the next generation of leaders” on Sept. 11 to Sept. 13. The eight-hour course is designed for young employees (26 years old and below) to help them develop a growth mindset, manage their time and productivity, and effectively cope with stress.

For more information, you may write to [email protected], or text 0919-3428667 and 0998-9641731.

For your other online learning needs, Inquirer Academy could assist you in designing and facilitating a virtual workshop, a webinar or a self-paced online course for your organization.

The author is the executive director of Inquirer Academy.