As Generation Z gets ready to graduate and enter the workforce, employers are attempting to attract new talent by changing up the dynamic of the traditional workplace. Baby boomers are getting ready to retire, which means there will be a large gap in management positions for Millennials and future generations to fill. This also means that employers need to start considering the needs of a younger workforce to attract and retain the best talent.
Here are five effective ways that employers can make the workplace more employee-friendly for a younger generation:
1. Hire Caring and Effective Managers and Supervisors.
Managers and supervisors are essential because they make sure the day-to-day operations of a company are going smoothly and can solve issues without constantly calling the company president. However, micro-managing supervisors can be overbearing and lower employee morale and motivation. Instead, hire managers and supervisors who will go the extra mile to make employees feel valued and competent.
2. Motivate Employees to Get Involved.
Employees have higher workplace satisfaction when they feel that they are personally invested in the company. Get them engaged with the company through incentive programs, recognition, benefits, and even education. Even including break rooms and happy hours helps employees to feel more engaged with each other and in the business.
3. Encourage Physical Activity.
Employees who spend more time on physical activity tend to feel more energetic on the job. In addition, showing employees that you care for their physical health is bound to make them feel more valued. This can be done by encouraging physical activity through company gym memberships or providing benefits or incentives for people to exercise and report on their progress.
4. Keep the Workplace Comfortable and Quiet.
The optimum temperature for a workspace is between 65 and 70 degrees. If it gets too hot, employees have difficulty concentrating. If it gets too cold, the office can start to feel less friendly. Quality furniture can also help to boost productivity. Face-to-face communication through open office setups also helps to improve employee satisfaction and reduce the sense of isolation or loneliness. Keep it comfortable, but don’t go too overboard — it’s important to find that perfect balance for comfort and productivity.
5. Stay Flexible.
Flexible schedules are the way of the future for the workplace. Employees are likely to stick around longer and report higher levels of satisfaction when they feel they have flexibility with their schedules. It’s important to find a balance by hiring employees who will work hard, but providing room to accommodate personal needs and time is bound to attract talented individuals.
As a new generation takes over workforce leadership, there is bound to be a shift in the way businesses operate. Get a head start by implementing these effective ways to make the workplace more employee-friendly.
