Here’s Why Gen Z And The Millennials Prefer To Work In A Company With Strong Social Values

Gen Z & Millennials form the largest chunk of the modern-day workforce. This tech-savvy generation grew up under a different cultural landscape characterised by more awareness about the world. They are also a racially and ethnically diverse generation compared to all other generations before them. Having come of age during a major economic crisis, they have a healthy scepticism regarding the influence that businesses and organisations have on our society. Unsurprisingly they expect more from companies in terms of their social responsibility and prefer those with strong social values in workspace.

What are social value examples?

In business, there are many types of social values that companies can adopt to make their workplace more suited to the needs and requirements of the working youth. Some of these social value examples include things such as:

Protecting the environment:

Being conscious about organisations’ impact on the natural environment. This means purchasing recycled products, reduction of waste, energy-conscious operation etc.

Humanitarian Issues:

Humanitarian issues involve causes such as the donation of food and other essentials to the impoverished people in our society.

Helping Community:

Companies can participate in their community to promote social values. Examples include hosting a charity event, raising money for a community cause, etc.

Operating Procedures:

Companies can demonstrate social values in workspace by taking a more empathetic approach to their employees and customers. Create a safe, inclusive and motivating workplace for everyone.

Why are companies emphasising social work values?

When it comes to employee engagement and productivity, the age-old method of rewards and bonuses don’t work anymore. So what motivates Gen Z & Millennials in the workplace? It is the social values in the workspace that aligns with their personal values and a sense of purpose. Gen Z and Millennials want more from their jobs than just a fat paycheck, such as constructive and supportive norms and values that allow the employees to grow in more ways than one alongside the company. They need to feel that they matter and their work contributes to the higher social good.

What do millennials and Gen Z look for in a job?

From the perspective of social values in workspace, the modern workforce expects their job to:

1. Care about their well-being

Most employees expect their employers to care about their physical and mental well being. This means setting up a healthy working environment that they look forward to and depend on, wellness programs and a strong support system.

2. Incorporate more ethical values

Gen Z and millennials are wary of scandals that paint a bleak picture of the moral fibre organisations. They expect the organisations to have higher standards for ethical values and a culture of accountability that enforces it.

3. Have an open and transparent leadership

Older millennials, in particular, expect more transparency and openness from the leadership as they are a generation who entered the workforce during the difficult economic times around 2008. The economic crisis caused by deceptive practices continues to fuel distrust that will not go away any time soon.

4. Support a diverse and inclusive work culture

The younger generations grew up in diverse environments with different norms and values compared to the previous generations. They expect the same level of diversity and inclusive practices that makes the workplace safe for everyone.

Donatekart has been working closely with multiple companies to infuse social values in the workspace that is going to attract more and more young minds. One of the significant partnerships that Donatekart has had is with Mzaalo, an online streaming platform, where one can earn Mzaalo points by watching their content and then redeem those points against their Donation gift card on Donatekart’s platform.

You too can be a part of this endeavour and inspire more and more young people to be a part of your company by just a simple click.