[Educational Capsule]
Generation Z (the Zoomers, comprising those born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, generally from 1997 to 2012) is transforming the workforce, and if there's one thing that stands out, it’s their demand for transparency. Understanding Generation Z and what motivates them will help employers looking to attract and retain this emerging workforce. Unlike previous generations, who might have hesitated to ask direct questions, Generation Z is unafraid to put their foot down. Why this business decision? Why this salary level? Why these power dynamics? These are the questions this new generation isn't afraid to ask.
The key to engaging them, however, is not necessarily to provide the ideal answer. What they are really seeking is an honest response. Even if it’s not what they hoped for, simply getting a clear explanation can make all the difference.
We shouldn't be surprised by this need for transparency. After all, they are a hyper-connected generation that shares and analyzes everything online. Yes, this also includes outlandish theories about hidden meanings in Taylor Swift's lyrics. A perfect example is the song “All Too Well” which has become a cult reference among fans. The song talks about the end of a relationship and the difficulty of moving on. "All Too Well" simultaneously addresses the past and the present, highlighting the struggle of living in the moment when the mind and heart are stuck in vivid memories of the past. Just as Taylor dissects every detail of a past relationship, Generation Z dissects the decisions made by their employers and seeks to understand why these choices were made.
They have become experts in reading between the lines, whether it’s decoding songs or identifying suboptimal behaviors at work. This need for explanation goes beyond curiosity; it reflects a genuine desire for justice and fairness.
It’s no coincidence that Generation Z is particularly sensitive to issues of transparency, justice, pay equity, and well-being in the workplace. Their ability to quickly access information and analyze data gives them a real superpower: the ability to demand total transparency in their professional environment. And this superpower, far from being a flaw, is actually a strength that employers should learn to harness.
This quest for transparency is also rooted in a form of necessity. With skyrocketing living costs and growing mental health challenges, Generation Z must juggle financial and personal pressures like never before. For them, understanding why certain decisions are made is essential to ensuring they navigate a stable and predictable work environment.
Mais en fin de compte, est-ce que cette exigence est vraiment propre à la génération Z ? Ou est-ce plutôt un besoin universel ? Après tout, l’honnêteté et la transparence sont les bases de toute relation de confiance, et des équipes qui se font confiance sont généralement celles qui sont les plus productives.
But ultimately, is this demand truly unique to Generation Z? Or is it rather a universal need? After all, honesty and transparency are the foundations of any trusting relationship, and teams that trust each other are generally the most productive. So, instead of sighing every time a Generation Z employee asks you why, consider it a golden opportunity to strengthen trust within your team. Because yes, employees who understand the reasoning behind decisions are more engaged, more motivated, and ultimately, more effective. As managers, this is an opportunity to transform a simple question into a driver of productivity and cohesion.
References :
Census in brief Generational portrait of Canada's aging population according to the 2021 Census
https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/as-sa/98-200-X/2021003/98-200-X2021003-fra.pdf
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