What does work happiness mean to you? We all want a job that feels fulfilling and doesn’t give us those dreaded Sunday scaries! But our happiness needs can shift depending on where we are in life.
Right now, we’re working in the most generationally diverse workforce ever, from Gen Z, to Millennials, to Baby Boomers. Each generation has its own values and priorities, and that diversity brings huge benefits.
Let’s get into the unique workplace needs of each generation—and how to create a happy, inclusive environment for them all!
No one knows you better than your work bestie. They celebrate your wins, lift you up when you’re down, and always tell you when there’s cake in the kitchen! With the average Brit spending over 37 hours a week at work, building close relationships is crucial to work happiness.
But with remote work on the rise, it’s not always easy. Jabra’s report, ‘Mind the Gap – How Gen Z is Disrupting the Workplace in 2024,’ shows Gen Z values connection differently, finding belonging online just as meaningful. Having grown up in online spaces, they find belonging digitally, proving that a flexible working model is essential for engaging younger generations and appeasing others who prefer to connect in-person.
Keeping teams connected is crucial, especially for older employees who may feel disengaged working remotely. One Baby Boomer shared, “My health makes commuting difficult, so I work hard to stay connected with colleagues.”
Here are a few ways to keep the team spirit alive:
Finding the right work-life balance is essential for job satisfaction, especially for our older colleagues who often juggle family and caregiving responsibilities. On the flip side, Gen Z seems to prioritize their careers, with 43% saying work comes first.
But here’s something we can all agree on; flexible hours make a world of difference! According to research from Compass Group flexible working is the top non-monetary perk employees crave, showing that adaptability is truly the key to workplace happiness for everyone!
One Gen Z employee shared how flexibility truly transforms their work experience: “I want to do my job effectively without feeling tied to my desk for the same hours every day. It’s empowering and shows me I’m trusted.”
They also highlighted that inclusivity means being fully flexible, allowing caregivers to balance their responsibilities and helping neurodivergent individuals make necessary adjustments to thrive. This illustrates just how vital flexibility is for creating a workplace that everyone loves—a key factor for attracting and retaining top talent!
Want to enhance your flexibility as an employer? Here are some friendly suggestions:
And remember, transparency is key—make sure new hires know about your flexible work options right from the start!
Baby Boomers: More likely to stay long-term in a job, but don’t take them for granted. They value in-person interactions and flexible working hours.
Millennials: Seek purpose in their roles and are often on the lookout for the next big opportunity. Flexible working is their top non-monetary perk.
Gen Z: Embrace job hopping for career growth and value friendships at work for a sense of belonging, although they prefer online connections. They prioritize flexibility over strict work-life balance.
Leaders who embrace the powerful mix of skills and experience of generationally diverse teams will be well-placed for future growth.
Encourage your team to look at things from fresh angles and appreciate each other’s strengths. Real connections break down assumptions and build stronger bonds. And, if you’re not sure what your teams actually want, just ask them!
We have flexible office space in London, Reading and Manchester that help multigenerational workforces thrive. Book a tour today to learn more!
