What Makes Today’s Employees Different

The workplace is very different today from what it was 30 years ago, and it is very different from what it will be 30 years from now. It is ever-evolving, and much of the credit for change belongs to the workers themselves. Workers today not only encourage change, but actively create it. The strengths of today’s employees contribute to an evolving workplace that will lead to more innovation and technological advancements, as well as safer and happier work environments.

Strengths of Today’s Employees

Desire to Make Change

One of the greatest strengths of modern employees is the desire to make change. Today’s employees want to make sure they are working not just for a paycheck, but to make a difference in their community, workplace, and society as a whole. Because modern technology grants individuals access to information from across the globe, there has been a significant increase in social awareness, which is carried into the workplace. This has led modern employees and customers to encourage workplace practices that promote attributes such as environmental sustainability and social justice. 

Technological Understanding

Technology is a major benefit to the modern workplace, and more so are the employees who understand and even create that technology. Today’s employees, particularly younger employees, have grown up around technology and are therefore naturally inclined to come up with technological solutions to everyday problems. They are also quick to innovate ways to take advantage of technology in ways that make work more efficient. 

Highly Educated

The most populous generation in today’s workforce is also the most highly educated. The majority of these workers have college degrees and many have gone on to higher education beyond that. This is particularly beneficial to businesses because not only are the employees highly trained, but they continually look for learning opportunities within the workplace. 

What Today’s Employees Need

Flexibility

Before the pandemic, employees were calling for more flexibility in the workplace. But in the post-pandemic working world, flexibility is a necessity. Most employers refer to flexibility in terms of work-from-home options. But this is not the only way to introduce flexibility in the workplace. Even industries that cannot support remote work can still make an effort to be flexible. Some jobs may allow flexible hours, time off, part time and full time options, and even flexible work environments.  

Social Responsibility

Employees today prioritize working for companies that demonstrate social responsibility from a corporate level. This includes ideas such as embracing ethical practices, supporting human rights, and caring for the environment. Companies can fulfill this need by showing employees how their individual contribution supports these ideas.

Wellbeing

Because employees devote a great deal of time to their employer, they rely on their employer to support their wellbeing. Holistic wellbeing addresses physical, mental, and emotional needs. These can be addressed with practices such as good air quality, mental health days, and financial wellness programs to reduce stress.

Conclusion  

Today’s employees have a great deal to contribute to the workplace. Employers who understand their employees’ strengths and use these strengths to improve their workplace will have an advantage in the market. These employers will not only attract and retain employees, but will see an increase in efficiency through technology and contribute to making a difference in society. Adapting the workplace to support the needs and strengths of modern workers will continue to inspire innovation and promote positive changes across the globe.

Find out how 101 Financial’s Workplace Wellness program improves the workplace by contributing to employee wellbeing.

Sources: Joan, Indeed, Matchr, Harvard Business Review