
Good leadership is an integral part of a thriving workspace. Good leaders guide their teams through growth and innovation and encourage members to fully realize their potential. It’s essential for those currently in leadership positions to refine their approach to fit the changing values and expectations of today’s workplaces.
Today’s multigenerational workforce is ever-evolving–constantly redefining what the workplace is and could be. When new generations of workers enter the workspace, they bring with them their unique talents, perspectives, and expectations. As we consider Gen Z and even Generation Alpha in the workplace, it becomes imperative for modern leaders to understand what resonates with these generations and what they expect from their leadership. To aid in that understanding, we’ve compiled five traits the new generations of workers tend to look for in a workplace leader.
5 Traits today’s workers want in a leader
Empathy
Empathy is a highly sought trait in workplace leadership. It’s so desired by the latest generations, in fact, that it was ranked as the second most important trait a boss could possess. A workplace leader that practices empathy within its team will prove themself invaluable to the new members of the workforce.
So, what does empathy look like in the workplace? The best way to express empathy is through efficient communication. Actively listening, asking questions, and personalizing communication show a deep interest and care for your team’s needs. One study in particular shows 90% of employees are more likely to stay with a company that listens to their voices and values their feedback.The employee that is seen and heard is more likely to perform to the best of their abilities–and stick around. Work on bringing empathy into your workspace if you want to be the kind of leader today’s workforce needs.
Commitment to workplace inclusion and diversity
In recent years, there’s been an enormous demand for inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. This has largely been driven by the younger generations of workers who push for and seek out an accepting workplace culture. In fact, younger generations actually expect their workplaces to actively strive for equality amongst all co-workers.
The new generations of workers deeply believe that a workplace should be inclusive and accepting of all–so much so, in fact, that one study shows nearly 63% of Gen Zs and millennials surveyed believe business has the ability to influence social equality. Embracing diversity and inclusion in the workplace means not only hiring diverse talent, but also fostering an inclusive environment where everyone’s voice is heard. Leaders who actively address biases and create equitable opportunities are more likely to earn the loyalty of today’s workforce.
Adaptability
The workplace is in constant flux due to technology advancements, global or national events, and shifts in societal norms impacting almost every industry. Workers want leaders who can drive innovation and adapt quickly and pivot to fit the growing needs of the workplace. Whether by keeping up with the latest means of communication, adapting quickly to new and inclusive company policies, or spearheading projects that encourage innovative and creative solutions, leaders of the workplace should strive to stay adaptable in the ever-changing workplace landscape.
An appreciation for the mentor/mentee approach
Mentorship in the workplace is crucial–particularly for the younger generations entering and establishing themselves in the workplace. In fact, a recent survey conducted by Springtide Research Institute found that 82% of the Gen Zs polled believe it’s important their supervisor helps them set performance goals, and 83% say they want their supervisor to actively care about their life. If you’re looking to level-up your leadership style to fit the changing tides of the workplace, consider the mentor/mentee approach.
A respect for mental health
The workplace acknowledgement of mental health is a relatively new phenomenon. Where once an employee had to ‘grin and bear it’, now many are afforded access to mental health resources through their employers. The latest generations take their mental wellness seriously–and expect their employers to, too. Whether by allowing time off for mental health, providing access to free mental health resources and apps, or investing in mental health training, employee well-being isn’t just appreciated, it’s expected.
Making employee well-being a higher priority doesn’t just benefit the employees, however. In fact, increasing evidence shows that workplaces who invest in creating psychologically safe work-spaces consistently see decreased rates of stress in the workplace and an increase in employee retention and overall engagement. Place a greater emphasis on the overall well-being of your team if you want to stand out as a workplace leader.
While the landscape of the modern workplace is constantly changing, one thing remains constant: good leaders are an essential to productive organizations. By investing time in refining your approach to leadership and to the modern working world, you could be setting yourself and your organization up for greater success.
If you’re interested in taking a deeper dive into what the new workforce has to offer, explore our Generation Z: An Employer’s Primer ebook. Or, catch up on our latest videos designed for leaders like you.
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