According to a study conducted by Gallup, the percentage of Gen Z and millennials in the workforce has increased significantly in the US, with these young professionals making up almost half of the workforce. This means that every organization should be asking its young employees what they want from their workplace.
The results of the study revealed that both millennials and Gen Z were very similar when it came to what they wanted from their employers. Read on for some of the top things young professionals are looking for in a job.
-
Work-Life Balance and Employee Wellness
Gen Z values the importance of having a variety of perks and benefits that will allow them to feel valued and included in their work. This means that when it comes to attracting and retaining talent, organizations should start thinking beyond the traditional employee benefits and offer something that encourages a healthy lifestyle.
The importance of having a positive culture is also more apparent than ever. Having a vibrant and engaging community can help promote a positive work environment. Gen Zers believe that being surrounded by like-minded individuals makes their effort more meaningful. Especially in the post-pandemic era, more and more young people are looking for flexible remote or hybrid jobs that will allow them to travel or make their own work schedule.
-
Ethical Leadership
In 2020, the US Securities and Exchange Commission fined companies a record amount due to their actions. This year’s scandals have also raised concerns about the ethical behavior of corporate America.
Despite the various steps that companies can take to improve their ethical behavior, scandals still remain a major issue that can affect an organization’s success. According to employees, they expect more from their managers and are looking for bold action.
One of the most important factors that businesses can consider when it comes to improving their ethical behavior is the level of trust that their team members have. This is because, when people feel that they are being honest, they will work harder and produce better results.
According to the survey, employees of both Gen X and Baby Boomers also rate ethics highly. However, it’s important to note that different generations have different attitudes toward this issue. Younger generations are more likely to associate ethical behavior with their personal character. On the other hand, older generations are more likely to associate it with the environment.