Council Post: 15 Ways Leaders Can More Effectively Manage Gen-Z Workers (2024)

People from different generations tend to have distinct views on the world of work. Generation-Z employees, in particular, might not share the same mindset as their Baby Boomer, Gen-X or even Millennial counterparts.

As Gen-Z employees enter and advance through the workforce, it’s critical for business leaders to understand this generation’s experiences and motivations. Here, 15 members of Forbes Coaches Council share insights on the impact the current workforce’s youngest generation is having and how leaders can best prepare to manage them.

1. Encourage Innovation And Work-Life Balance

As Gen-Z workers enter the workforce, expect to see innovation climb on a global scale. As a group, Generation-Z is more entrepreneurial, diversified, technologically savvy and individualistic than prior generations. Like the Millennials before them, Gen-Z employees treasure work-life balance and take care of their mental health in a way the Baby Boomers never learned to do. - Laura Rau, The Entrepreneur’s Source (TES)

2. Lead By Example

Gen-Z doesn’t like being told what to do and won’t simply obey like previous generations. Leading by example through vision and feedback is more important than ever. Hiring gets more important, too. Choose employees who want to work for you, then put them in positions where they see themselves having the most impact and where you know you can lead them to greatness. - Nick Geringer, Nick Geringer GmbH

3. Understand Their Needs

Generation-Z is the first generation to make demands for what they believe is important in the workplace. This includes wanting more—including prioritizing mental health, having flexibility with hours, getting more vacation time and not settling. Leaders should begin to understand Gen-Z employees’ needs by having an open dialogue, asking for feedback and reacting appropriately to avoid high levels of turnover. - Carmelina Piedra, CareerCoachingPro

4. Provide Growth Opportunities

Gen-Z employees generally view their work life as a way to learn, grow and develop and are not tied to one role or company. Leaders need to understand this mindset, then provide opportunities for their talent to continuously learn and be challenged with new experiences. Gen-Z workers also bring new and different perspectives to the workplace that leaders can learn from, so leaders can benefit from reverse mentoring. - Rochelle Cooper, Success Leaders

Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify?

5. Leverage Gen-Z’s Desire For Change

Gen-Z will continue to challenge the status quo and command more of a voice and impact in the workplace. Leaders should recognize that Gen-Zers are not aliens from another planet (as they are often portrayed), but rather are a collective catalyst for change that can be leveraged to drive strategic and cultural change. Leaders who fail to harness the power of Gen-Z are placing their organizations at a disadvantage. - Cathy Lanzalaco, Inspire Careers LLC

6. Focus On The Individual

It is easy to stereotype different generations, but focusing on the individual and what motivates and inspires them is the best path forward. Knowing that Gen-Z workers are motivated by feeling valued, contributing and making change where it matters, leaders should tie efforts to impact, reinforce their appreciation and consider small investments in development to keep the team moving forward. - Tami Chapek, WeInspireWe

7. Be Open To Learning From Them

Gen-Z is distinct in their comfort with technology. They were born with it and have an innate ease with which they interact with both the information and the “connectivity” that tech can foster. They view the world as a place that is equally accessible, and they bring big, new ideas! Leaders need to have curiosity and an openness to learning from them, just as they will learn from the current leaders. - Sohee Jun, S.J. Consulting, LLC

8. Walk The Culture Talk

Gen-Z doesn’t tolerate toxic cultures, discrimination, misalignment between the words and actions of management, or work that won’t flex to fit their personal lives. Leaders need to have conversations with all team members to establish a safe work culture and align expectations and commitments, and they need to walk the culture talk. Gen-Z doesn’t care what you know until they know that you care. - Christine Rose, CEOAccel

9. Lead With Humanity

Being nice is not enough for future leaders to be effective and chosen by Gen-Z employees. It’s all about leadership, innovation and change-making. It’s all about purpose and sense-making. Humanity must lead the future of leadership because new generations are looking for social connections, independence, flexibility and balance. - Kalina Terzieva, My Coaching Brain

10. Invest In Them Early

Gen-Z workers are better equipped to thrive in a hybrid work environment, having been forced to be more versatile and adaptable early in their careers. With a shifting workplace narrative that is calling more loudly for purpose-driven leadership, Gen-Z employees will have to be bold, courageous and human-centric. Leaders today need to invest earlier on in equipping them and preparing to be managed by them. - Elisa Mallis, Center for Creative Leadership

11. Foster A Supportive Environment

Generation-Z has challenged norms in the traditional workplace by being open and honest about their own requirements. Leaders can prepare to manage this dynamic generation by getting to know them and understanding their needs, then fostering a supportive environment for them to thrive and be productive, thereby building trust. Otherwise, they will create their own opportunities to thrive and grow! - Tinna Jackson, Jackson Consulting Group, LLC

12. Understand Work As A Part Of Life

The value of work is changing as new generations enter the workplace. Work is seen as part of life, and employers need to understand the impact of this mindset. It can include increased flexibility of the work, different employee benefits than in the past, increased focus on purpose in work and company impact on the world. - Evan Roth, Roth Consultancy International, LLC.

13. Have Check-Ins And Clear Expectations

Leaders should prepare to manage Gen-Z through outcomes. They are motivated differently and work differently from previous generations, but they will get the job done. Leaders need to set clear expectations for deliverables and have check-ins. One-on-one weekly meetings will ensure that they are on the right track and will provide coaching moments. This is perhaps a model for other generations, too. - Jill Helmer, Jill Helmer Consulting

14. Be Flexible In Your Management Style

Leaders should take note and prepare to manage Gen-Z workers by understanding their values and being flexible in their management style. Gen-Z workers are more likely to stay with companies that offer them meaningful work, ownership of tasks and a sense of belonging. Companies should focus on developing workplace cultures that support these qualities to attract and retain Gen-Z talent. - Anna Tan, Coaching Go Where

15. Promote More Open Communication

Gen-Z workers are looking for purpose and alignment over many of the other motivational factors many leaders are used to. The opportunity lies in the fact that they are more attuned to their own needs, so this means you will have honest and open conversations. You can use this example to give other employees permission to speak up more, too! Be aware of your own bias that Gen-Z behaviors may trigger in you as a leader. - Sarah Needham, Unique-U Coaching

Council Post: 15 Ways Leaders Can More Effectively Manage Gen-Z Workers (2024)

FAQs

Council Post: 15 Ways Leaders Can More Effectively Manage Gen-Z Workers? ›

Generation-Z is looking to their managers for guidance and support on how to manage their workload. Young workers want to feel like their managers care about them as a person, just as much as they do about their ability to be productive and deliver results.

How to manage Generation Z employees? ›

Tips for Managing Gen Z
  1. Promote a Healthy Work-Life Balance. Help them adjust to the workforce: Gen Z employees, being new to the workforce, might find the transition challenging. ...
  2. Encourage Growth and Development. ...
  3. Embrace Transparency. ...
  4. People Focused Leadership.
Feb 23, 2024

What is the best leadership style for Gen Z? ›

RADA Business shares insights into Gen Z leadership styles.
  • Purpose-Driven Leadership.
  • Digital Natives and Tech Fluency.
  • Authenticity and Inclusivity.
  • Continuous Learning and Development.

What do Gen Z want in a manager? ›

Generation-Z is looking to their managers for guidance and support on how to manage their workload. Young workers want to feel like their managers care about them as a person, just as much as they do about their ability to be productive and deliver results.

Are Gen Z staff harder to manage? ›

A full 74% of those surveyed said they found these younger employees to be more difficult to work with than their older colleagues. Among the respondents, 49% said they found it difficult to work with Gen Z all or most of the time.

How to Lead & Coach Millennials & Gen Z employees? ›

15 Ways Leaders Can More Effectively Manage Gen-Z Workers
  1. Encourage Innovation And Work-Life Balance. ...
  2. Lead By Example. ...
  3. Understand Their Needs. ...
  4. Provide Growth Opportunities. ...
  5. Leverage Gen-Z's Desire For Change. ...
  6. Focus On The Individual. ...
  7. Be Open To Learning From Them. ...
  8. Walk The Culture Talk.
Jan 17, 2023

How to retain Gen Z employees? ›

Embrace flexibility (like never before)

Workplace flexibility is no longer a “nice to have”. Gen Z desires a culture of full flexibility, where employees can determine their own schedules, including “non-traditional” work hours, daily remote or hybrid work options, and more paid time off.

What Gen Z wants from leaders? ›

Leaders who embody self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and the ability to manage relationships are rare. It's time we improve at “reading the room” and show young staff we understand people. More than anything, Gen Z team members want their leaders to hear and understand them.

Why is Gen Z struggling in the workplace? ›

Managing distractions and maintaining focus: In an era filled with constant notifications, social media updates, and digital distractions, Gen Z employees may find it challenging to maintain focus and productivity in the workplace.

What are Gen Z weaknesses? ›

However, Gen Z has certain weaknesses. They have a rather indifferent attitude towards security and prioritize convenience over security . They also experience a low perceived behavioral control and lack education on how to behave securely online .

What is the hardest generation to work with? ›

Plus, COVID-19 isn't entirely to blame for management's struggle with Gen Z: As Resume Genius's survey suggests, workers get easier to manage with age. While 45% of those surveyed described Gen Z as the most challenging to work with, this dropped to 26% for millennials, 13% for Gen X, and 9% for baby boomers.

What do Gen Z workers want? ›

More than other generations, Gen Z wants to have their voices heard. They want agency to create a future that they find meaningful. Enlist their energy and problem-solving skills. Build a culture of reverse-mentoring.

How to discipline Gen Z in the workplace? ›

5 Key Ways to Manage Generation Z in the Workplace
  1. Prioritise Collaboration and Communication. Generation Z values social interaction. ...
  2. Allow for Independence and Autonomy. ...
  3. Implement Strategies for Work-Life Balance. ...
  4. Embrace New Technology. ...
  5. Empathise with Mental Health Needs.

What matters to Gen Z employees? ›

Gen Z cares about mental health and work-life balance

Having a work-life balance and maintaining mental and physical health is also important to Gen Z. “They're placing a value on the human experience and recognizing that life is more than work,” Katz said.

How to hire Gen Z employees? ›

Let's take a look at several recruiting strategies that can help attract Gen Z's top talent.
  1. Identify their needs and values.
  2. Create appealing job descriptions.
  3. Use social media and digital platforms.
  4. Streamline the application process for digital natives.
  5. Adapt interview techniques for Gen Z candidates.
Jan 31, 2024

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Zonia Mosciski DO

Last Updated:

Views: 5948

Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Zonia Mosciski DO

Birthday: 1996-05-16

Address: Suite 228 919 Deana Ford, Lake Meridithberg, NE 60017-4257

Phone: +2613987384138

Job: Chief Retail Officer

Hobby: Tai chi, Dowsing, Poi, Letterboxing, Watching movies, Video gaming, Singing

Introduction: My name is Zonia Mosciski DO, I am a enchanting, joyous, lovely, successful, hilarious, tender, outstanding person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.