According to GALLUP, engagement by younger workers has severely plummeted in a post-pandemic climate. The engagement rate for Gen Z employees fell from 2.4 to 1.6, and Gen X employees saw a decline of four points, from 35% down to 31%. The only rise came from Boomer employees, who increased from 34% to 36%. What this numbers tell us is that younger employees are becoming more detached from workplaces in a time when engagement is crucial to company success.
It is believed that this is a post-pandemic reality that affects younger workers more than others because they were the hardest hit during the pandemic. Many were working in restaurants and hospitality positions, which did suffer some of the greatest losses. However, GALLUP’S research paints a bit of a different picture, for both managers and employees.
Research suggests that younger workers want to experience more of a compelling purpose associated with work. They want to see the workplace transformed with a culture that infuses their young lives with meaning and value.
They also desire greater autonomy. They want more of a say about the work they do, the goals they set, and how they work, having to do with flexibility. They want more control over the direction of their lives as it relates to the workplace.
They want personalized opportunities for learning and development. They want these opportunities to align with their interests and strengths. They want workplaces to be places for personal development and growth. They want their ideas and opinions respected by their leaders; i.e., if you want me engaged, give me a platform.
Leave a Reply