Gen Z is the unhappiest generation at work
Find out how Boomers, Gen X and Millennials compare.
Why You Should Care
Each generation has a different view about the world of work.
But the unhappiest generation is Gen Z, and this leading to them being 'generation quit'.
Here's how to retain your youngest workers, according to Cangrade.
HR leaders, don’t miss out: Join us in Las Vegas for free as a VIP guest at UNLEASH America.
Happy employees are more engaged and productive, and that is good for business bottom lines.
New research from talent management company Cangrade has looked at workplace happiness generation by generation. And a survey of 600 individuals found that Gen Z is the most unhappy generation at work.
Just 59% of Gen Z workers are happy, compared to 69% for Baby Boomers and 76% for Millennials and Gen X. In addition, 9% of Baby Boomers are unhappy at work, compared to 26% of Gen Z and 13% for Gen X and Millennials.
It is not a surprise that this unhappiness is pushing Gen Z to think about quitting their job. 17% of Gen Z workers are considering resigning, this is 10% higher than the other generations.
The issue is that Gen Z prioritizes work-life balance more than any other generation and they least associate their job with their identity.
How to retain Gen Z
Of course, Cangrade’s research shows that employers must pay attention to all generations and their differing demands and desires in the world of work.
For instance, the report found Gen Z and Millennials link their workplace happiness to being proud of what they do. While Boomers are the generation to most associate their work with their sense of identity.
Listening and solving for these preferences is important if employers want to have happy, engaged workers who want to work for their organization, but Cangrade was hearing from customers that “attracting and managing the new generation of workers is one of the biggest frustrations in today’s workplace”, CEO and founder Gershon Goren tells UNLEASH.
Goren continues: “Our ability to engage young employees during these transitional times will be the key to our success.”
So this begs the question, what must employers, and HR leaders particularly, do to retain Gen Z workers?
According to Cangrade, Gen Z want learning and development opportunities – and they need to be continuous throughout their working lives.
So employers who are struggling to keep their younger workers, who will be the leaders of tomorrow, invest in coaching, mentoring and workshops – and quickly.
The International Festival of HR is back! Discover amazing speakers from the world of HR and business at UNLEASH America on 26-27 April 2023.
