Gen Z is currently the youngest generation in the workforce and is known to be extremely tech-savvy. They differ from their older colleagues in other notable ways as well, and require different approaches and even different channels to engage effectively.
“Outdated legacy systems and poor user experience can be a major stumbling block for Gen Z employees who are used to smooth, intuitive interfaces on social media and other digital platforms,” says Atrium Talent said Sarah Mackesy, executive vice president of solutions. A human resources solutions company in New York City. “Complex, multi-step processes are at risk of being abandoned by Gen Z. Keeping workplace tools and systems up to date and user-friendly can significantly increase Gen Z employee engagement and productivity. You can.”
Technology companies seem perfectly poised to create environments for digital natives. AvidXchange is one example.
good example
AvidXchange, an accounts payable automation software company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is “adopting technology to create a workplace that is not only highly productive, but also deeply connected and inherently innovative. technology,” said Todd Cunningham, CHRO at AvidXchange.
This innovation applies not only to the financial technology solutions the company provides to customers, but also to how the company engages and inspires its employees, Cunningham said. “Gen Z professionals want a work environment that reflects the tech savvy of their personal lives,” he said. That's what AvidXchange offers.
“From offering hybrid work schedules that promote work-life balance to integrating cutting-edge technology, [Microsoft] “By equipping meeting rooms with Teams-enabled touchscreens, we are redefining what it means to be connected,” said Cunningham. “Our goal is to leverage technology to make work more human. For example, in our private lobby gourmet coffee shop and sandwich shop, teammates can simply tap on their phones. It combines convenience and luxury. We also just launched an in-house chatbot called Ava, AvidXchange's virtual assistant, to answer technical support questions, deploy software licenses, and provide IT support. We can process your ticket.”
But it's not just about integrating technology into the workplace, Cunningham said. It's about using technology strategically to “foster a sense of community and connection.” For example, AvidXchange says that games like “World's Biggest Pac-Man” “bring together teammates who were adults when the game was released with younger teammates who think it's 'so retro and cool.'” he said.
However, these connections do not simply occur organically. Successfully integrating members of this new generation into a multigenerational workplace while also engaging them requires foresight and purpose.
Explore unique interests and preferences
Stephanie Licata, senior learning strategist at Cincinnati-based human resources consulting firm Cloverleaf, says it's important to thoroughly understand the needs and preferences of Gen Z staff. For example, when assessing the learning needs of Gen Z, “one of the first actions talent leaders can take is to conduct a learning audit to identify areas for improvement and opportunities to introduce new tools. ” she said.
Ask questions like:
- What do I need to update?
- What new technologies can we explore?
- What are other organizations in the industry doing to stay ahead of the curve?
Frederick A. Scott, vice president of talent strategy and inclusion and early career recruitment at ServiceNow, a digital workflow company based in Santa Clara, Calif., said the opportunity for ongoing input is important.
“Feedback is essential to continually evaluate and adapt technology-based initiatives and in-person activities to stay relevant and impactful in connecting with Gen Z employees and engaging the entire workforce. '' he said. “Giving employees the opportunity to share feedback ensures that decisions made within the organization are representative of everyone who works there, contributing to a culture of inclusion and collaboration.”
The main thing employers have learned through their own research and research by others is that Gen Z is a technology-first generation.
Offers the latest technology with multiple options
Technology offers several options for connecting with employees of all generations. Because Gen Z grew up with communication technology, they likely expect to be able to interact with co-workers the same way they interact with friends.
Jill Chapman is the director of early talent programs at Insperity, a workforce solutions provider based in Kingwood, Texas. Chapman recommended using social media to effectively connect with Gen Z employees. “While you may not think of social media as a way to connect with your team, a company's social media pages are actually a great tool for engaging and fostering connections with employees,” she says. said.
Chapman said texting and instant messaging are also good communication methods to connect with this generation.
“Build a database of employee phone numbers and consider sharing important company news via text, not just email,” she said. Text Her messages should be concise and can also link to intranet posts or blogs that provide more information.
“Many organizations already have access to instant messaging platforms like Teams and Slack, but if they don't already have access, add IMS. [instant messaging systems] Incorporating it into your communication plan is extremely helpful for Gen Z. ” IM brings benefits to the entire organization, including increased collaboration and productivity, she noted.
ServiceNow uses a variety of technologies and modalities to connect with Gen Z employees wherever they are, Scott said. This includes everything from our communities on various online platforms such as Teams, GroupMe, and WhatsApp, as well as podcasts, short videos, Udemy, Zoom, and personalized learning paths on our learning and development platform frED. The company also partners with external providers like Praxis to offer its own simulations around DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) and uses tools like Mentimeter. He said the company is creating different ways to interact with Gen Z participants through technology.
GenAI: New tools for building meaningful connections
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has emerged as a new tool to add to the mix. Grammarly's third annual Current state of business communication Gen Z (61 percent) is more likely to rely on GenAI than Millennials (56 percent), Gen X (53 percent), and Baby Boomers (41 percent), according to a report conducted in conjunction with Harris Poll. was shown to be high. In fact, members of Gen Z say they can't imagine working without it.
Tracy Heath, principal at Deloitte Consulting LLP, said GenAI can be used to connect with Gen Z from recruiting to talent development.
For example, “GenAI can assist new hires with personalized learning plans and curricula that include knowledge specifically needed for the job, built on the content most useful to previous hires,” she said. Ta. “Additionally, new hires can continue to be engaged and supported through chatbots and co-pilots that give them the opportunity to ask and answer questions based on company data. It provides instant insight and answers to the questions you need and encourages new hires to ask questions they might otherwise feel embarrassed about in front of their human colleagues.”
In an increasingly remote, hybrid, and global work environment, technology provides an obvious and essential resource for building connections across all generations.
“The benefit of technology is that individuals are not limited to connecting only within their specific function or region,” Scott said. Using a variety of virtual platforms, employees can interact with colleagues from around the world, promoting a diverse and inclusive environment, he said.
However, despite the proliferation of multiple technology channels for making connections, it is important to avoid over-reliance on high-tech tools for these connections.
Don't forget the human touch
Natalie Andreas, an assistant teaching professor at the University of Texas at Austin who specializes in the intersection of technology and the workplace, said it's important to be “careful and cautious in the use of technology for communication and engagement purposes.”
While digital channels may offer unprecedented reach and accessibility, she points out, “they also come with potential pitfalls, such as information overload and digital fatigue.”
“It's important to strike a balance between leveraging technology to connect with Gen Z and ensuring communications remain authentic, relevant and meaningful,” she says. .
