Some people view Gen Z as having poor work ethic, a fragile generation that’s overly sensitive, hard to manage, and lacking perseverance. Yet, they have high demands: asking for high salaries, various benefits, constantly bringing up mental health. Moreover, people said they’re often working in ways that don’t align with the company’s vision and mission.
In short, they’re seen as frustrating. That’s the kind of description often used to illustrate how difficult it is to work with Gen Z in the workplace. However, this perception isn’t entirely true.
In order to work together effectively, it’s important to get to know and understand how Gen Z thinks and behaves. Especially as more young workforce is growing in Malaysia in recent years.
Therefore, make sure you know the right tips to working with Gen Z for employers, to avoid difficulties, find them here!
Understand How Gen Z Acts and Thinks First
Generation Z has distinctive characteristics that set them apart from previous generations, including their use of unique gen z slang that reflects their cultural experiences and values. Here are their unique traits:
1. Tech Savvy
Gen Z grew up with technology, from social media to ride-hailing and food delivery apps. They spend 7–13 hours online daily.
2. Creative
Unlike older generations, Generation Z explores modern careers like content creators, vloggers, or startup founders thanks to the internet.
3. Open-Minded
They embrace diversity in religion, race, and culture, and easily connect with different communities due to broad access to information.
4. Caring
Though often online, Generation Z quickly mobilizes support for others, using social media to spread awareness and help those in need.
5. Expressive
Gen Z loves self-expression, from creating a tremendous amount of this generation slang terms to building personal brands on TikTok and Instagram.
Tips for The Employers to Work with Gen Z
As more Gen Z workforce is growing in Malaysia, it’s essential for managers to adapt to this new generation’s unique work styles and expectations. Doing so will help create a collaborative and effective workplace for everyone. So, here’s the tips for employers to managing Generation Z employees:
1. Encourage Their Work-Life Balance
Gen Z strongly values a clear separation between work and personal life. According to GWI, 72% prioritize setting these boundaries, a mindset largely influenced by habits formed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moreover, Deloitte also found that 49% of this generation consider work-life balance a key factor when choosing a job. Managers who respect these boundaries will help boost Generation Z employees’ job satisfaction and overall well-being.
2. Emphasis on Mental Health
Mental health is a top concern for Generation Z, who are more open and vocal about it than previous generations. With 29% reporting a tendency toward anxiety, they value leaders who acknowledge mental health challenges and provide resources and support.
Managers who foster a mentally healthy workplace and encourage this workplace culture that this generation likes, can earn greater trust and loyalty from Gen Z employees.
3. Opportunities for Growth
Continuous learning is essential to Gen Z. In fact, most of them said they would consider leaving a job if there were no opportunities for skill development and if the workplace culture isn’t suitable for Generation z. Managers who offer training, mentorship, and clear paths for career advancement are more likely to engage and retain team members eager to grow and succeed.
4. They Have Their own Dress Code
As Gen Z joins the workforce, many are breaking traditional dress codes since they prefer more casual or flexible formal attire dress codes compared to traditional formal attire. They often value comfort and self-expression at work. Therefore, strict formal wear can feel restrictive or outdated to them.
However, this doesn’t mean they refuse to dress professionally when needed, they just favor workplaces that allow a more relaxed or modern approach to dress. Managers or employers need to encourage this form of self expression to boost their productivity.
5. Use a Different Approach
Generation Z values managers who invest time in understanding their unique strengths, preferences, and goals. Offering customized coaching, training, feedback, and tasks helps them feel acknowledged and supported, boosting their job satisfaction and performance by providing a plan tailored to their needs.
To deliver a personalized approach, managers or employers can use tools like individual strengths assessments, personality tests, or feedback forms. This helps identify each person’s preferred management style, learning methods, feedback preferences, and favorite types of work.
Those are the tips to managing young employees for managers or employers. As more Gen Z workforce is growing in Malaysia, it is essential for managers to adjust to their changing management preferences.
So, how’s you experience working with gen z so far?
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