THE job market is now preparing for the next generation – Gen Z, said to be born after the mid-1990s.
Post-pandemic, researchers have come to the conclusion that higher salary is not the most critical factor in employing and retaining the new generation.
In fact, according to human resources consulting firm Mercer in its latest COVID-19 pulse survey that polled more than 850 employers globally, limited career advancement and dissatisfaction with benefits have emerged as two of the primary drivers of higher-than-usual attrition levels.
Environmental Sciences graduate Damia Munira Bakhthiar, for instance, believes that work-life balance is important.
The University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) graduate is looking to be part of a healthy and ethical company culture in which employees and the environment are respected.
“I would like the opportunity to keep learning and growing, so my employer of choice would be organisations that offer capacity-building opportunities with experienced specialists, paired with the availability of relevant facilities around the workplace to support my professional growth,” she explained.
Brendan Chew Yiun Cherk, a BA (Hons) graduate of International Communication Studies with Film and Television from the same university echoed Damia’s point of view.
“I value an employer or a workplace that allows for healthy growth and career progression of its employees, with opportunities aplenty for this to happen,” he remarked.
“This could be through courses, networking, teambuilding, exchange programmes, and feedback sessions (with appropriate courses of action taken). Transparency is also important.”
Chew further noted that it is also vital for workplaces to emphasise the humane aspect of work, and opined that productivity can be achieved without being at the expense of employees’ mental health and overall wellbeing.
Opportunities for development, good remuneration
Meanwhile, Masters in Mechanical Engineering graduate Suggensheevan Suthagar described his ideal workplace as an organisation that provides “opportunities for development, good remuneration and benefits, and a supportive work environment”.
“In addition to taking into account the current cost of living, these factors, on top of clear career advancement opportunities, all play a role in employee motivation and productivity,” said the 24-year-old Penangite.
Good colleagues and a well-equipped workstation are on Johorian, Tan Kang Rui’s wish list.
In addition, Tan expressed hopes for employers to also see value in supporting an employee’s life-long learning ambitions, such as pursuing post-graduate studies. The youngest of five siblings, Tan graduated with a Degree in Civil Engineering from UNM.
For Debra Wong, graduating with a degree represents a significant milestone, being the first in her family to graduate with a university education.
The Kuching lass, who holds a Degree in International Relations with French, believed the three key characteristics of a good employer is empathy, accountability and clarity of purpose.
“I hope to work with managers or employers who take the time to understand the factors that affect my work productivity,” she elaborated.
“Moreover, I would enjoy working with employers who are intentional about building rapport with employees, and providing mentorship, opportunities, and resources for career growth.
“The working world can be hard to navigate, so I look forward to having someone in the workplace who will sow the seeds and invest in me, point out my mistakes, along with showing me ways that I can do better.”
Understanding that every workplace has its own values, vision, and mission, Wong emphasised that she appreciates it when employers are accountable for their own values and take ownership of their work.
“Modelling these values encourages employees to do the same,” she said.
On this topic, UNM interim provost and CEO Professor Sarah Metcalfe believes that a university’s role is to prepare its graduates with the attitude and skills that make them both global citizens and attractive to employers across a range of sectors.
This will enable them to go on to bring value to the employers they work with and bring innovation to their future workplaces.
“Being an institution that nurtures the newest generation joining the workforce, we are conscious that the key motivating factors for Gen Z are work-life balance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
“In the same vein, my advice to graduates is to have a positive attitude and show initiative. As the saying goes, ‘You only get out what you put in’. Great places to work have both good leadership and the support of a cohesive team,” she remarked. – Aug 3, 2022
