What do the younger generations want at work?

GEN Y & GEN Z EMPLOYEES What do the younger generations want at work?

Are you stuck in your ways or willing to break away from old leadership styles? According to a paper, ‘New Generations at Work’, by McCrindle Research, here’s what you need to know about Gen Y (born 1980-1994) and Gen Z (born 1995-2010) employees and their mindsets. Gen Y generally has a strong relationship ethic. They are collaborative learners, enjoy working in teams, and thrive in a relaxed consensus-driven group. When it comes to work, Generation Z views their job as a means to an end. Gen Z understands work is performed for financial reasons. What does this mean for you and your trade business? Well, you’ve got to build a culture that’s appealing to Gen Y and Gen Z tradies. This is not about you and your old ways — it’s about them.

Do you provide work-life harmony?

It’s a cop-out to chalk the younger generations up to being ‘lazy’ because they didn’t face the same hardships you did. There’s a good chance your grandfather thought the same of your post-war generation! The reality check is that Gen Y and Gen Z workers have different priorities in the workplace. They’re asking for a reasonable degree of balance between work and home life, where possible. You’ll recognise overworking your team will lead to stress and frustration, and poor productivity. McCrindle notes younger generations are likely to have over six career paths and 15 jobs— many have likened this trend to the generation being overworked and under supported. Recently, the co-founders of Mary’s Group, Jake Smythe and Kenny Graham, came under fire for calling millennials ‘lazy’ in their podcast, The Fat. In the episode, the duo vented that young people should take more responsibility for their work-life balance rather than making it the problem for their employer. If you’re nodding in agreement. Think again.

How do you recognise accomplishments?

When younger workers feel they’re undervalued — personally or financially — they’ll leave. Personally, they want to feel like you’re on their side, and have a keen interest in their personal growth and development. Financially, they’re open about “talking dollars”, so if you’re undercutting wages or not meeting the market, you’ll struggle to maintain, keep or motivate staff. According to Consumer-Clarity.com, Gen Y and Gen Z “want managers who act like coaches rather than bosses.” If you’re not recognising your team’s accomplishments, or advising on how your tradies can improve on shortcomings — incentives to work harder will fail. Recognition doesn’t need to be big, a quick call to say “Well done!” or a Christmas bonus cheque for a hard years’ work can go a long way!

How can you promote a positive work environment?

Younger generations are looking for a work environment that promotes good mental health and wellbeing. McCrindle notes: “Gen Z is the most technological saturated, formally educated generation our world has ever seen.” The pressures that go with this can take a toll. Instead of questioning the work ethic of your tradie when he/she takes a day off. If it’s not a regular occurrence, try understanding that sometimes, people need a mental health day to maintain their wellbeing. It’s not slacking off, it’s offering support to help your employee.

Yes, it’s easy to dismiss the younger generation. However, it’s likely the generation before you said the same thing. Your parents didn’t get your music, and you don’t understand why your kids are crazy about TikTok. The bottom line is, leadership has changed dramatically in the last 20 years or so — you’ll never attract and retain the best tradies by having an outdated leadership mindset.