Let’s face it—getting Generation Z fired up about work is a new challenge. If you’re a manager struggling to keep Gen Z motivated, you’re not alone. But here’s the kicker: Gen Z isn’t “unmotivated.” They’re just motivated differently, and once you figure out what makes them tick, they can be one of the most engaged, driven groups in the workforce. So, if you’re ready to unlock the power of Gen Z motivation, read on!
Meet Gen Z: Purpose-Driven, Tech-Savvy, and Refreshingly Honest
Born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, Gen Z grew up with smartphones, social media, and memes as part of their daily lives. They’re blunt, they’re direct, and they know what they want. For Gen Z, work isn’t just about clocking in and out—it’s about purpose, flexibility, and having a say in what they do. If these elements aren’t in play, don’t be surprised if their motivation starts to wane.
The 3 P’s of Motivating Gen Z: Purpose, Passion, and Personal Growth
Let’s get right into the secrets of motivating Gen Z. Here’s what drives them:
- Purpose Over Paycheck
Don’t get us wrong, Gen Z wants to be compensated fairly (who doesn’t?), but studies show that more than 60% of Gen Z prefers work that aligns with their personal values over high pay. If they can’t see the purpose behind what they’re doing, their motivation will dip faster than you can say “TikTok.”For example, if your company is involved in sustainability, get them involved in projects that highlight that commitment. Show them how their work contributes to something bigger than just the bottom line. Purpose-driven work is a powerful motivator for Gen Z, and they’ll rally behind causes that resonate with them. - Give Them Room for Passion Projects
Gen Z is a generation of creatives. From video editing to social media influencing, they’ve grown up expressing themselves through various platforms. Why not use this to your advantage? Create opportunities for them to work on passion projects within the company. For instance, if you’re running a marketing agency, let them brainstorm a campaign of their choice that aligns with company goals. When they’re allowed to unleash their creativity, you’ll find that they become more engaged and invested in the outcome. - Personal and Professional Growth
Gen Z wants to grow, and they want to grow fast. According to a survey by LinkedIn, 76% of Gen Z is looking for opportunities to learn new skills and advance their careers. So, how do you leverage this? Offer clear career paths, mentorship programs, and on-the-job learning opportunities. Let them shadow senior employees, or allow them to work on cross-functional projects. When they see a future in the company that aligns with their ambitions, they’re far more likely to stay motivated.
Flexibility is Non-Negotiable
Want to see Gen Z go from zero to hero? Give them flexibility. Gen Z isn’t interested in the old 9-to-5 setup. They want to work where they feel most productive, whether that’s at home, in a coffee shop, or even halfway across the globe. According to a study by Deloitte, more than half of Gen Z employees would like a hybrid or fully remote working option.
Imagine you have a Gen Z employee who does their best work at night. Why insist on a rigid schedule? By allowing them to work flexible hours, you’re not only showing that you trust them, but you’re also fostering a more motivated and productive team.
Regular Feedback and Communication
Forget the annual performance review. Gen Z grew up with instant gratification—from likes on Instagram to real-time updates. They don’t want to wait a year to hear how they’re doing. A survey by Gallup shows that Gen Z thrives on frequent feedback and prefers weekly check-ins with their managers.
Feedback doesn’t have to be lengthy or formal. A simple “Hey, I liked the way you handled that project!” or “Here’s something we could improve on for next time” can go a long way. Remember, Gen Z is direct, and they appreciate it when you are too.
Recognition and Rewards Beyond Money
Sure, everyone loves a good paycheck, but Gen Z craves meaningful recognition. They want to be seen, appreciated, and celebrated. Recognize them in ways that resonate with them. For example, offer them “shoutouts” on team calls, highlight their contributions in newsletters, or even give them a cool, unique perk, like a subscription to a learning platform or tickets to an event they’d enjoy.
According to research by Glassdoor, Gen Z places high importance on workplace appreciation. Knowing that they’re valued by their managers and peers can give them a big motivational boost.
Embrace Tech and Keep Things Digital
Gen Z is known as the “digital generation” for a reason—they live and breathe tech. They’re constantly looking for tools and apps to make life easier and are quick to adapt to new software. If your workplace is stuck using outdated tools or cumbersome software, don’t be surprised if they feel frustrated and demotivated.
Make an effort to invest in modern tools that streamline work, enable collaboration, and, yes, make things a little more fun. Using collaboration tools like Slack or project management apps like Asana can help keep things efficient and accessible.
Include Them in Decision-Making
Gen Z wants a seat at the table, and they don’t care if they’re new or young—they want to be heard. They value transparency and want to be part of the decision-making process. Ask them for input on projects, strategies, or even day-to-day operations.
Including them in decisions doesn’t just motivate them—it also brings fresh perspectives and creativity to your team. After all, who knows better what resonates with the modern world than those who grew up in it?
In Conclusion: Motivating Gen Z is Worth the Effort
Gen Z may be bringing new expectations, but they’re also bringing new energy, ideas, and perspectives to the workplace. Motivating them requires a shift from traditional methods, but the payoff is worth it. With purpose, passion projects, flexibility, and regular feedback, you can create an environment where Gen Z not only feels motivated but also thrives.
So, if you’re ready to make the most of your Gen Z employees, start with these strategies and watch them take your workplace by storm—after all, they’re not just the future of work; they’re the present.