Looking to hire Gen Z for your remote team or boost productivity with your current Gen Z employees?
Gen Z, born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, are known to be digital natives who value flexibility, inclusivity, and meaningful work.
Understanding their unique characteristics and preferences can help you create a working environment that brings out their best performance – while improving teamwork across generations.
Thus, here are some strategies to go about this in the remote workplace:
Equip Them with Digital Tools
Unlike previous generations, Gen Z has grown up using advanced technology and the internet from a very young age.
As digital natives, they are adept at using digital tools and social media, and depend on seamless technology integration in their workflow.
So it’s best to equip them with up-to-date software and collaboration platforms that align with their expertise and enhance their productivity.
For example, if you hired a Gen Z virtual assistant, it’s best to have tools like Slack for real-time communication, Trello for project management, and Google Workspace for document creation and storage.
Set Up Quick Communication Channels
With constant exposure to information and notifications, Gen Z often experiences digital fatigue from their smartphones and social media.
That’s why they prefer concise communication methods over phone calls or emails.
So when you’re communicating with your virtual assistant or other remote workers, use quick and direct methods like instant messaging.
They value efficiency and prefer getting straight to the point to save time and reduce cognitive load.
Promote Flexible Work Arrangements
Gen Zers value a healthy work-life balance and appreciate the ability to manage their own schedules.
Growing up with technology and constant connectivity, they have experienced the blurring of work and home boundaries and recognize the importance of keeping these separate.
Flexible work hours and location independence can help them manage their time more effectively, reduce stress, and maintain mental health.
In turn, offering flexible work arrangements can lead to higher employee satisfaction and retention, increased productivity, and a more motivated team.
It also makes your company more appealing to top talent, giving you a hiring advantage.
Cultivate a Positive and Inclusive Company Culture
Gen Zs highly value diversity, equity, and a sense of belonging.
They thrive in environments that promote inclusivity and respect, prioritize mental health and well-being, and provide meaningful work that align with their values.
Some may say they’re overly “woke,” but this awareness drives them to seek workplaces committed to social justice and ethical practices.
So try to implement policies and initiatives that reflect these values.
For example, you can offer mental health resources such as counseling services and wellness programs.
You can also encourage open dialogue about social issues and support employee resource groups that cater to various interests and identities.
Furthermore, build teamwork through virtual team-building activities and collaborative projects, and create spaces for informal interactions to build camaraderie.
With these strategies, you can effectively manage your Gen Z remote workers and make the most of their unique talents to grow your company faster.
However, if you’re still building your dream remote team, Remote Staff can match you with top talent suited to your needs.
From hiring a data entry clerk to a virtual assistant, Remote Staff can pre qualify candidates for you so you won’t have to spend valuable time and resources on the screening process.
Click here to schedule a callback today!
Leandro is a content creator and digital nomad who started his career as a remote working content writer. He is an advocate of location independent sources of income. And he believes that everyone has the ability to be one as well.