Meet Generation Z – Part 1 (3) How to motivate Generation Z at work: the effective strategies at MDDP Outsourcing

Generation Z is the new generation of employees that shapes the modern labor market. At MDDP Outsourcing, we know that motivation of young talents is the key. We offer flexible working hours, development plans and numerous integration initiatives in order to provide the best conditions for their development.

An introduction to Generation Z and motivating them at work: what is really effective?

The modern labor market is undergoing dynamic changes and one of the most important factors which favor those changes is the appearance of a new generation of employees – Generation Z. Every company that wants to attract and keep young talents must understand the characteristics of people of that generation, including their expectations. MDDP Outsourcing, as the leader in the outsourcing of accounting and payroll services, proactively adapts its strategies in order to overcome such challenges and create a new working environment that supports young workers. In this article, we will take a closer look at Generation Z, their demographic and psychographic features, as well as the effective methods of motivating them at work.

Who are the people of Generation Z?

Generation Z includes people born after 1995 who grew up in the digital era. Contrary to their predecessors, the Millennials, Generation Z do not know a world without the Internet, smartphones and social media. Such a unique perspective shapes their approach towards work, communication and everyday life.

People of this generation are true digital natives. They are used to fast access to information and skillfully use modern technologies. It is a generation that values authenticity, variety and inclusion. Transparency and honesty, both in personal and professional life, are very important to them. Zoomers want flexibility at work – both in terms of the time and the place of work. For them, work-life balance is crucial while creativity and innovativeness constitute the natural characteristics of their approach towards problem solving.

How to motivate Generation Z: what does actually work?

Understanding the factors behind the motivations of Generation Z is critical for creating an efficient working environment. Here are several key motivating factors:

Personal and professional development

Generation Z want to continuously develop and polish their skills. Companies should invest in training programs, mentoring and career possibilities. At MDDP Outsourcing, we pay close attention to offering a wide array of trainings which help young employees hone their skills and acquire new qualifications. We can take our e-learning platform as an example – employees get the opportunity to undergo training in the subjects they are interested in. The variety of available courses helps in their development and expanding both their soft and hard skills. One of the fantastic advantages is the possibility to begin a course at any moment. The flexibility of the platform matches the workers’ lifestyle.

Moreover, we have lately launched a project called First Time Manager. It serves as a cornerstone in the development strategy of MDDP Outsourcing that supports the company’s involvement in the personal and professional growth of our employees. The program is to expand leadership and substantive capabilities within the scope of accounting and taxes as well as to prepare tools which will be used to serve the role of a Team Leader and in team management.

As part of our organization, we try to ensure that every employee has chances for development that corresponds to their vision, predispositions and skills. During periodic development meetings held with the employees we discuss what types of work they feel good at, what competences they would like to develop and what training would help them achieve further professional goals. We give people the opportunity to spread their wings in various departments of our company, while transfers between individual departments are a natural process to us. We believe that when the worker carries out duties they find pleasurable and in line with their interests, he or she will stay in our company for many years.

Many people from Generation Z begin their professional journey often without knowing what they exactly want to do. As part of the DPT (Data Processing Team) department at MDDP Outsourcing, we allow young people to learn about the specific nature of working in the accounting sector. It is a great opportunity to check out what such work is about, gain practical knowledge and make the first steps on the path of one’s professional career. For us, it is the person, their predispositions and eagerness to learn that matter.

Work-life balance

Balance between professional and private life is an important factor for Generation Z. Flexible working hours and the possibility to work remotely are key elements that attract young employees. We are aware that combining studies, work and private life can be quite a challenge. We are aware of the logistics behind organizing one’s free time in order to balance all those areas of life. However, as an employer, we want young people to feel comfortable when working at our organization. At MDDP Outsourcing, we allow for flexible working hours and remote work, which gives our employees a chance for better time management. As a result, they are able to effectively combine their professional duties with personal life, which has a positive impact on their well-being and commitment to work. We always try to adjust to the worker’s needs, taking into consideration their educational and private goals. Exam sessions, unexpected events – those are no problem for us. We learned how to juggle the work within the team so that each party involved is satisfied. The specific nature of working as part of the DPT is characterized by an increased amount of work through the first half of the month. However, as the number of tasks becomes reduced, every worker is able to catch their balance and devote the lower number of working hours to their passions or simply relax.

The meaning and purpose of work

Members of Generation Z want their work to have a meaning and impact on the world. They strive for working at companies with a clearly defined mission and values. At MDDP Outsourcing, we proactively support social and environmental initiatives, giving our employees the feeling that their work has a positive influence on the surroundings. Our company participates in various CSR activities.

CSR – we support activities initiated by the employees

Apart from general company activities, the DPT also decided to organize its own actions in that scope. The goal of “Action on all fours” was to help homeless dogs and cats at a pet shelter in Chorzów. As a result, the participants collected 100 kg of pet food and they took the dogs for a walk at the end whole action. The initiative not only constituted a form of aid but also served as a unique way to integrate the team. The feeling of joint accomplishment is one of a kind and builds a strong sense of pride of the teamwork.

Another important event initiated by the DPT was aimed at providing aid to children in Tanzania. The collected school supplies, clothes, toys and cleaning products were given to children in distant villages of that African country by one of our colleagues during her private travel. Although we were unable to all be there, we could feel the satisfaction of being a part of it thanks to the account of the travel and the sight of happy and smiling children. This story showed us that we can touch the hearts of those in need even from a distance.

At MDDP Outsourcing, we regularly get involved in CSR projects which not only contributes to the improvement of social conditions but also strengthens self-esteem among our employees.

Integration

Team integration is one of the key elements of building a healthy atmosphere at the workplace. Regularly organized team-building events help the employees get to know each other, build strong relationships and cooperate more effectively. Group outings, company events or team meetings increase the employees’ commitment. When the workers feel like a part of a companionate team, they are more motivated to work and more eagerly participate in projects. At MDDP Outsourcing, we regularly organize various events that not only integrate the team but also strengthen the bonds and motivate to take action. Together, we celebrate events such as e.g., the Accountant’s Day and the HR Worker’s Day, we eat the Easter breakfast and company Christmas Eve, organize quarterly team-building and department integration activities and once a year we meet all during the Owlscar Gala to celebrate our individual and mutual accomplishments. Thanks to various forms of team-building, the employees have the chance to get to know each other which improves everyday communication at work and reduces the number of conflicts. Group activities or meetings after work help the employees relax and get away from everyday job duties. They also can be used to promote values and culture of the organization which contributes to a better commitment and employees’ identification with the company. At MDDP Outsourcing, we try to make our every team-building initiative stay in line with our culture and values to build a stronger and unified working community.

At MDDP Outsourcing, we form a working environment that is friendly for every generation. That is why we can draw from various skills and perspectives, enriching our company and allowing for better results. Thanks to our open-minded approach towards the needs of different generations and the effective communication, MDDP Outsourcing is a place where every employee feels recognized and motivated to achieve success.

Management of generation variety at the workplace is the key to the company’s success. At MDDP Outsourcing, we try to ensure that every employee can grow and feel valuable, regardless of their age. Our approach towards flexibility, innovation and efficient communication helps us build strong and integrated teams that jointly strive for realizing our mission and visions.

Feel free to read the entire cycle of articles titled “Meet Generation Z” in which we discover the secrets of working with Generation Z.

In other articles, you will read about:

in article 2: how to invest in career development and training for Generation Z? In the second article of this cycle, our expert will discuss the strategy of creating a career path adjusted to the needs of young employees. In that text, you will discover the approach of MDDP Outsourcing towards training, mentoring and flexible ideas for employee growth. You will read on the methods of attracting and keeping young talents by offering them the possibilities of professional development adjusted to their needs and aspirations.

in article 3: is the change of workplace a challenge or a chance for development?
The third and the last article of the cycle describes the change of workplace as both a challenge and an opportunity for development. With the article, you will learn that MDDP Outsourcing supports new workers through an effective on-boarding process and modern technologies. You will read about the ways in which we help our employees to go through changes and use their new professional possibilities.

Author: Paulina Łańska, Junior Manager at the MDDP Outsourcing Office in Katowice

#Motivation #GenerationZ #CareerDevelopment #RemoteWork #MDDPOutsourcing #WorkLifeBalance #TeamIntegration