How to adapt to the expectations of Gen Z for effective management of your trainees?

Gen Z is poised to take control. They already account for more than one third of the global population and are rapidly entering the job market. You might already have some of its representatives in your teams, or plan to recruit them soon, especially through apprenticeship contracts. 

But are you sure that your leadership style is suited to apprentices from this new generation? Indeed, Gen Z has its own values, expectations, and professional aspirations. And sometimes, it's not so simple to foster multi-generational harmony within teams…

In this article, we propose an anthropological experiment: getting to know the generation of your future apprentices to adapt your management and HR processes to their customs and practices. You will indeed see that by speaking the same language, you will be better able to collaborate effectively and enrich each other!

The 6 characteristics of Gen Z to know for better management of trainees

With new generations entering the job market, management methods have evolved significantly. You've probably already noticed this within your company... The top-down approach has gradually given way to much more horizontal and collaborative management.

With Gen Z, this transition is absolutely necessary to attract and retain young talent. Moreover, this new generation of workers is also marked by unprecedented expectations, particularly in terms of finding meaning in work and the values they wish to defend. Shaped by economic, societal, and environmental challenges, Gen Z expects the organization they join to tackle these issues head-on.

Here are the 6 specific characteristics of Gen Z to keep in mind to adapt your management to your future trainees.

1. A financially pragmatic generation 

Generation Z is fully aware of the financial challenges they will face in the coming years. Our recent career study  also highlights the importance of money for this generation. 

Does this suggest that Generation Z is driven by materialism? Not quite. They are pragmatically navigating the economic challenges on the horizon. Remember, these future talents have matured in the shadow of the 2008 financial crisis and amidst the turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the current global economic situation, marked by inflation and a rising cost of living, only amplifies their concerns.

It's clear that this environment hardly fosters a sense of financial peace. Indeed, a significant portion, 50% of those surveyed, express apprehension about their ability to manage their bills.

💡 How can you react to this? Reassure your trainees about future prospects. Beyond their fixed-term contract, your recruits may want to project themselves within your company, especially in positions and salary levels that will allow them to live comfortably.

2. Less importance on personal connections

An important number of young people report feelings of isolation. Consequently, they seem to attribute less significance to personal connections compared to their predecessors.

The blend of financial instability and profound solitude heightens their susceptibility to psychosocial challenges, including mental distress. This underscores the expectation from Gen Z for organizations to prioritize mental well-being.

💡 How can you react to this? Align your company's initiatives with the mental wellness aspirations of Gen Z, particularly by cultivating a genuine quality of work-life ethos. Make sure to spotlight your mental health policies during recruitment discussions to attract and reassure the emerging talent pool.

Moreover, intensify the focus on comprehensive onboarding processes and team-building endeavors. Such efforts are crucial in seamlessly integrating newcomers into the organizational fabric, thereby fostering meaningful relationships among team members.

3. Gen Z shows unwavering optimism 

Despite the challenging scenarios we've outlined, Generation Z radiates an undeniable optimism. Their concerns about the broader economic landscape are valid, yet over 80% of Gen Z individuals in Europe look forward to their professional journeys with hope and positivity.

This generation envisions a workplace where their roles are not just jobs but meaningful contributions to society. They are keen on aligning with organizations that champion the social and environmental causes close to their hearts.

Gen Z's approach to change is marked by a desire for meaningful involvement and gradual, impactful transformations within organizations, contrasting with the more radical aspirations of previous generations. This pragmatic yet hopeful outlook on effecting change presents a unique opportunity for businesses.

💡 How can you react to this? Leverage Gen Z's optimistic outlook to elevate your organization. Equip them with the resources and opportunities to envision a bright future within your company and to amplify its societal impact. Strategically align your company's mission with significant social or environmental objectives.

Involve your trainees in crafting and executing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives or in spearheading community engagement efforts such as charity events, fundraising campaigns, and volunteer work. Demonstrate the real-world significance of their contributions through impact assessments, fieldwork, and direct interactions with beneficiaries. Essentially, empower them with purpose, visibility, and actionable outcomes!

4. Creativity is a core value for Gen Z

Generation Z assigns immense value to creativity, seeking roles that not only resonate with this attribute but also amplify their innovative prowess. Our research underscores creativity as a pivotal skill that Gen Z believes is essential for workplace success.

💡 Cultivate a creative mindset in management: 

• Foster a culture that celebrates and nurtures the creative instincts of Gen Z by setting up innovation labs, brainstorming workshops, and collaborative think-tanks. 
• Embedding creativity into the organizational ethos and projects enables you to harness the full spectrum of Gen Z's inventive capabilities.

5. Gen Z trainees are digital natives

Inherently attuned to the digital realm, Generation Z navigates technology with unparalleled ease, having been virtually cradled in the digital age. Their proficiency spans a vast array of digital tools, empowering them to seek inspiration, forge connections, and champion causes with ease.

Significantly, 66% of Gen Z boasts advanced social media acumen, outpacing 55% of Millennials and 38% of Generation X, showcasing their leading edge in digital fluency.

💡 Cultivate a digital mindset in management: 

• Capitalize on Gen Z's digital literacy by engaging them in digital transformation projects and online branding initiatives. Their cutting-edge social media skills can invigorate your digital footprint. 
• Promote cross-generational tech mentorship within your team, leveraging Gen Z's tech savviness to foster a learning-rich environment, accelerating the digital evolution of your workforce.

6. Gen Z global perspectives enrich the workplace

Generation Z's global outlook, cultivated through ubiquitous connectivity, enriches their professional and personal paradigms, making them more receptive to diverse experiences and viewpoints.

💡 Cultivate a global mindset in management: 

• Embrace Gen Z's international aspirations by involving them in global projects, thereby enriching their professional journey with cross-cultural interactions and a broadened network.
• Facilitate their engagement in cross-sector dialogues and international forums, enhancing their industry insights and global awareness.

Adopt a management style 2.0 for Gen Z integration

Generation Z mirrors the multifaceted socio-economic and technological landscape of their upbringing, shaping distinct expectations as they step into the corporate sphere.

Transition towards a more lateral management style, harmonizing Gen Z's strengths and areas for growth to empower their ascent and concurrently propel your organization's progress. Remember, the innovators of today are the influencers of tomorrow's market.

Explore further: Insights into generation Z trends