How can leaders effectively motivate and retain Generation Z employees, the new wave of digital-native talent entering the workforce? Recently, Pille Parind-Nisula joined the Äripäev´s Young Leaders Club to discuss ways to help Gen Z employees stay and thrive in companies where the average employee age is higher. Äripäev is the leading business news media house in Estonia and a member of the Bonnier Group.
Who Are Gen Z Employees?
Generation Z, born between 1995 and 2010, is the first generation to grow up entirely in a digital environment. They prioritize authenticity, mental well-being, diversity, and meaningful work. Unlike previous generations, they are not driven by titles or hierarchies; instead, they seek purpose, flexibility, and opportunities for growth. They expect open communication, regular feedback, and leaders who genuinely care about their development.
Leadership shift from Authority to Partnership
At Moticheck, we observe this shift in expectations on a daily basis. Modern leadership now involves moving from control to coaching, and from authority to partnership. Younger employees desire to feel heard, supported, and inspired — not merely managed.
Effective Strategies for Leading Generation Z
💬 Be a coach, not a boss. Ask, listen, and support growth. Gen Z employees respond best to leaders who guide rather than command. Remember, they are used to reflecting after each daily task in school. Conducting a development discussion just once a year feels dismissive of their growth and potential.
🧑🏫 Provide thoughtful onboarding and further mentoring. Gen Z employees may require more personalized guidance when starting a new role. A well-structured onboarding process and a dedicated mentor can make a crucial difference — ensuring new hires feel supported, understand expectations, and integrate smoothly into the team and culture.
📥 Give frequent, constructive feedback. Providing short and timely feedback fosters trust and clarity. Send them brief messages in chat to acknowledge their efforts. Keep in mind that their lives are primarily online. Discuss problems openly.
🌍 Connect work to purpose. Explain how each role contributes to a bigger goal. Many Gen Z employees are purpose-driven, and most are environmentally aware. Focus less on what and how we operate; instead, talk more about why we do it.
🕓 Offer flexibility and autonomy. Trust fosters responsibility. Fairness and flexibility increase loyalty and performance of youth.
🧑💻 Use technology for transparency. Share information openly and eliminate low-value tasks whenever possible. Encourage young employees to propose new and potentially more innovative methods of working. Lead with fairness.
🫶 Create an inclusive culture. Encouraging authenticity and collaboration is essential. Gen Z is teamwork-oriented and values diversity within their teams. They desire to be their true selves at work and readily accept the differences among colleagues.
The Future of Leadership
Leading Gen Z isn’t about following trends — it’s about building modern, human-centered leadership. Members of Gen Z have diverse needs and expectations, so rather than generalizing, leaders should focus on designing roles that align with each person’s strengths, motivations, and personal aspirations, rather than those of young generations.
As many industries face an ageing workforce and a shortage of specialists, the ability to integrate and empower younger employees mindfully becomes a critical success factor.
Organizations that understand what drives the next generation create workplaces where experience and fresh perspective grow together — ensuring sustainable leadership and long-term talent continuity.
How Moticheck Helps
Moticheck helps companies turn feedback into action — giving every employee a voice and every leader real-time insight into motivation, wellbeing, and belonging. Moticheck enables empathetic leadership by fostering daily listening and understanding of employee needs, benefiting teams with both Gen Z talent and seasoned experts.
Curious how Moticheck can help you boost employee engagement?
Let’s talk! Share your email and we’ll help you get started with smart employee insights. No spam. Just practical insights. Join thousands of teams improving engagement with Moticheck.
More on the same subject:
Measuring Results Alone Doesn’t Reveal Causes or Guarantee Best Solutions
