The New Employee Contract - How to Find, Keep and Elevate Gen Z Talent

The New Employee Contract - How to Find, Keep and Elevate Gen Z by Anthony Onesto explores the unique characteristics of Generation Z and offers insights into how employers can best engage, recruit, and retain this emerging workforce. The book discusses creating a mutually beneficial relationship between employers and Gen Z employees by understanding their values, motivations, and expectations.

Important learnings and insights from the book:

  1. Gen Z's unique traits: This generation is digitally native, diverse, entrepreneurial, and values-driven. They are comfortable with technology and expect to use it seamlessly in their work and personal lives.

  2. Redefining the employee contract: The traditional concept of a one-size-fits-all employment contract is no longer effective for Gen Z. Employers must adapt their approach to creating flexible, customized, and mutually beneficial relationships with these employees.

  3. Purpose and values: Gen Z employees are more likely to be attracted to and stay with organizations that share their values and have a clear sense of purpose beyond profit.

  4. Work-life integration: Gen Z workers value work-life integration, where work and personal life coexist harmoniously. Employers must provide flexibility, remote work options, and support to maintain a healthy balance.

  5. Learning and development: Continuous learning and development opportunities are crucial for Gen Z employees. Employers should invest in skill development and provide clear career growth paths.

  6. Collaboration and feedback: Gen Z values open communication, collaboration, and regular feedback. Employers should foster a supportive environment that encourages teamwork and provides ongoing feedback on performance.

  7. Inclusive and diverse workplace: Gen Z is the most diverse generation yet, and they expect to see diversity reflected in the workplace. Employers should prioritize building inclusive environments that promote diversity and equity.

  8. Technological innovation: Gen Z workers expect their employers to be on the cutting edge of technology. Investing in new tools and technologies can help attract and retain these employees.

  9. Mental health and well-being: Gen Z places a high priority on mental health and well-being. Employers should provide resources and support to help employees manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

  10. Compensation and benefits: Gen Z employees expect fair compensation and attractive benefits packages. Offering competitive salaries, flexible work arrangements, and comprehensive benefits can help attract and retain this generation.

In summary, the book emphasizes the importance of understanding and adapting to the unique characteristics of Gen Z to create an attractive workplace that meets their needs and expectations. Employers who prioritize purpose, values, flexibility, learning opportunities, collaboration, diversity, technology, mental health, and competitive compensation will be better positioned to recruit, retain, and elevate Gen Z employees.