How to Build a Workplace that Keeps Gen Z Engaged and Loyal

Forbes

26-05-2025

So, how do you create a Gen Z-friendly workplace that keeps employees engaged?
Well, let's just say the key to their retention has everything to do with understanding their core values. And these values are more than mere ideology.
The core principles of Gen Z are intrinsic to everything. After all, their values influence their opinions, investment choices, and professional endeavors. Perhaps this is why this generation is making such a significant impact on today's work environment. They're challenging leadership methods, communication styles, and even company culture because they believe one's principles strongly connect and influence productivity and profitability.
Now, this isn't the first generation to be compelled by their mores, and it certainly won't be the last. Baby boomers, Gen Xers, and Millennials all bring with them strong work ethics and a values that drive their treatment of others in the workplace and their customer interactions.
So, what is so different about Generation Z? Why is it imperative for business leaders to understand how core values influence this generation specifically? Well, here's the thing: unlike previous generations, Gen Z is not just adding their two cents and waiting for businesses to follow suit.
This generation is leaving in droves and not waiting around for companies to cut through the red tape and revamp their organization to center around their values.
It's no wonder that many business leaders are frustrated with this generation. After all, some feel that Gen Z is coming to the table with multiple demands and a low tolerance for the timetable to implement those demands.
Some experts have even suggested that the high turnover rate is due to what they call revenge quitting. Now, that's one opinion. However, I doubt that it's the main reason for their departure.
The idea that an entire generation is intentionally quitting simply out of spite is an overstatement and a gross assumption at best. And it misses the point entirely.
Generation Z is highly influenced by their core values. This is why, it's my belief that the reasoning behind their exodus goes much deeper than the superficial.
This generation is not trying to be difficult or demanding.
If anything, they're just passionate about creating a healthy, safe, and productive workplace that will benefit all employees.
So, let's explore some research to understand why Gen Z stands out as uniquely driven by values and how it impacts companies.
According to the World Economic Forum, 60% of Gen Zers and Millennials believe values are absolute dealbreakers when considering job opportunities. 90% of Gen Zers were willing to quit a job if it meant finding a workplace that better aligned with their values. The same study found that, in contrast, only 70% of Gen Xers viewed values as a breaking point regarding company loyalty.
Gen Z is also more concerned with opportunities for growth and fulfillment than Millennials, who value stability and salary. Perhaps these values will shift as Gen Z enters different stages of adulthood. However, at this point, according to NielsenIQ (NIQ), Generation Z is highly influenced by the ability to be creative and curious in the workplace and have tech and media at their complete disposal.
How can you implement these values into your company and stand out from your competitors? Here are two ideas to get you started.
Using technology is like breathing for Generation Z. After all, this generation grew up on iPhones, TikTok, and Netflix. So, it's understandable that they value convenience and efficiency in the workplace, which has everything to do with technology and AI integration.
It's no longer enough to email an employee or connect with them on Slack. Gen Z desires access to all the new technologies, such as project management tools, communication platforms, and AI software. After all, 86% of this generation agree that technology is essential to their personal and professional lives.
This generation doesn't see tech as a toy; they see it as a tool.
So, when you invest in giving Gen Z access to the latest and greatest technology, you're giving them the ability to build your company to the next level.
Additionally, you might want to consider offering a video tutorial platform, such as LinkedIn Learning, Skillshare, or MasterClass, that's accessible to all employees from 9 to 5 or anytime they want to learn. This will give them the freedom to build upon their skill set and learn at their own pace.
As I mentioned earlier, creativity and curiosity are key to engaging Generation Z. They want to feel inspired and engaged when they enter the workplace. Now, this doesn't mean that they have to feel entertained. They're not looking for their workplace to keep them engaged. Gen Z wants a safe environment where they can learn, make mistakes, and fail forward.
How can you give this generation of employees opportunities to be creative? Well, here's a list of three ideas to get you started:
So, how do you create a Gen Z-friendly workplace that keeps employees engaged?
Well, if you're a business leader, you can't go wrong if you're willing to take a step forward and lead with listening and learning.
For Gen Z, what matters most is that you're willing to evolve and align your business with their values. As long as you're willing to work to create a healthy, tech-forward, and creative workplace, what more could they ask for?