How do you create a winning Gen Z employee experience?

Picture this: a talented young employee bursting with potential, eagerly stepping through your company's doors. Will they be met with an environment that ignites their passions and fuels their growth, or will they be left disenchanted, yearning for greener pastures?

In the high-stakes world of talent acquisition, recruiters understand the paramount importance of delivering a remarkable Candidate Experience to attract the cream of the GenZ crop. But the story doesn't end there. Once you've successfully onboarded your vibrant Zoomer (GenZ) talent, a new chapter unfolds—enter the captivating realm of Employee Experience (EX).

You only have one chance to leave a lasting impression, to create a workplace narrative that resonates deeply with the ambitions, dreams, and aspirations of this unique generation. From immersive onboarding experiences that rival blockbuster movies to revolutionary approaches to teamwork and collaboration, in this article we'll explore the cutting-edge strategies that will keep your Zoomers on board and propel your organization to new heights. 

Key Objectives to help shape an Employee Experience Strategy:

The main objective of an Employee Experience strategy is to attain a workforce driven by their passions, equipped with the tools and resources to conquer any challenge that comes their way. Let’s unveil the three key objectives that will help you shape your organization's EX strategy: 

Objective 1: Unveiling Hidden Needs

In the heart of Employee Experience lies the quest to uncover and meet the unique needs of every individual within your team. Like master detectives, you need to identify and address those needs, equipping your employees with the essential resources, tools, and support to flourish in their roles. 

To gain valuable insights, consult websites like Glassdoor, where you might find a list of pros and cons shared by current and former employees about your organization. However, it's important to combine this information with your own research, such as conducting employee pulses. You can adopt methodologies used by specialized organizations like Qualtrics. Don't underestimate the significance of exit talks and input gathered through 360° feedback loops.

Empower your managers to be sensitive to individual needs, helping them identify necessary actions to address these needs effectively. Ideally, your HR or human capital department should have at least one employee experience specialist who can guide and support these efforts. Also, paying attention to individual career paths can make a world of difference in enhancing the overall employee experience.

Importantly, take action on the feedback you receive as it serves as a valuable barometer for future surveys and interviews. Each piece of feedback holds the potential to refine and elevate your engagement strategies.

By actively seeking feedback, and implementing meaningful changes, you'll pave the way for an exceptional employee experience that nurtures your team's growth and fulfillment.

Objective 2: Forging a Path of Well-being and Engagement

The battle for success cannot be won without a united and engaged workforce. In the world of Employee Experience, you need to be armed with the knowledge to enhance employee well-being, igniting a chain reaction of commitment, productivity, and motivation. You can adopt the methodology of a specialized organization such as GreatPlaceToWork or the Top Employers Institute (as a bonus you may get a certification and a label that you can showcase on your website in order to attract more (young) talent) or you can make your own employee engagement survey. If you do, make sure to test its validity and to treat answers with the necessary confidentiality. As a bonus you may get a certification and a label that you can showcase on your website in order to attract more (young) talent. 

Objective 3: Optimizing the Workplace

A great Employee Experience also needs to venture beyond individual interactions and into the realm of the workplace context. Unleash the power of a cohesive and supportive workplace culture, infused with cutting-edge technologies that amplify efficiency and collaboration. Witness the alchemy that occurs when the physical workspace is optimized, creating an environment where productivity and innovation thrive.

A study by Gallup has found a direct correlation between EX and employee productivity. Recent graduates prefer working in an open and appreciative working environment, in an inspiringly furnished office equipped with the best technological tools.

A suitable working environment should be designed in the shape of a matrix comprising several inter-related factors. A distinction is made between cultural, technological and physical environments.

• The cultural environment creates shared values which are central to an employment relationship, especially for Gen Z: diversity & inclusion, support for equality and fairness, work/life balance, career development, a supportive leadership style, transparency, stability and growth..
• The technological environment comprises all the tools that employees receive for their work. 
• The physical environment means the design of the workspace.

Harmonizing Employee Experience with Your Unique Employer Brand

Employee Experience (EX) and employer branding intertwine harmoniously. EX becomes a powerful conduit, infusing your brand's unique qualities into every initiative and interaction. It acts as a bridge, elevating the promises of your brand and solidifying your organization's reputation as a paragon of excellence.

For 60 percent of Gen Z, current or former employees are the most important source of evaluation when looking for a job. Employers who use EX to look after the well-being of their staff receive better evaluations and are more attractive to new applicants. And not only through personal reports: companies with a focus on EX are 11.5 times more likely to be listed as a Best Place to Work by Glassdoor.

However, promises alone cannot suffice. Consistency is the cornerstone of success. By steadfastly upholding the commitments embedded in your employer brand, you unlock a potent elixir—a magnetic force that attracts top talent, drawing them towards your organization. 

Remember, achieving this synergy requires attention to detail. Each interaction, from recruitment to farewell, must embody the essence of your brand. Seamlessly weaving your brand's fabric into the tapestry of EX, you create an environment where individuals find purpose, fulfillment, and unwavering loyalty.