September 2024
While many companies around the world have solidified remote work policies and even tested the 4-day work week, Amazon workers will be required to be in-office five days per week, starting in 2025. While the decision is hugely unpopular with employees—many of whom protested a partial return-to-office policy last year—the omnipresence of the tech giant may influence other organizations to follow suit. (Reuters)
Gen Z’s attitude towards sick days is contagious. Since 2019, the amount of sick leave taken among those under 36 has increased 29%, and increased 16% for those over 36. While the pandemic put workers’ mental health under the spotlight, a major survey also showed that 93% of workers are swayed by coworkers in their twenties, suggesting that Gen Z has a large influence in workplace habits. (Fortune)
While both Gen Z and millennials value work-life balance, flexibility, and professional growth, their motivations differ. Gen Z prioritizes autonomy, community, and learning opportunities over job security and salary, while millennials focus on career progression, independence, and financial stability. Employers who recognize these nuances can tailor their approaches to motivate both groups effectively. (FastCompany)
The appeal of unlimited paid time off is declining. While initially seen as flexible, employees often hesitate to take time off due to a lack of clear guidelines and the potential for burnout upon their return. Leaders need to set an example and encourage conscientious choices that will not affect the PTO takers or their colleagues at work. (Worklife)
Worker satisfaction remains elusive, with recent data indicating a four-year low in job contentment. As companies struggle with this moving target, they are increasingly focusing on employee “engagement” rather than “satisfaction” as a productive metric. Ultimately, workers and managers alike must balance their own pursuit of happiness with workplace demands, with some suggesting that fulfillment may come more from within than from the job itself. (Psychology Today)
Recruiters are finding that many job seekers are using AI to complete their applications, resulting in an unwieldy number of prospective employees and a lack of individuality in the applicant pool. At the same time, companies have automated various aspects of hiring, causing an AI-driven stalemate. Emphasizing human interaction and judgment could benefit both sides by providing applicants with a fair chance and companies with real prospects. (The Wall Street Journal)
Gen Z parents are most likely to prioritize family over their careers due to the rising cost of child care. With 51% of Gen Z parents considering pausing their careers for parenting—higher than Millennials (43%) and Gen X (35%)—child care benefits are one of the top reasons they remain at their jobs. Employers should consider offering robust child care support to address this growing concern among younger parents. (PR Newswire)
Students at elite schools like Harvard often succumb to a "herd mentality," believing that if they're not pursuing finance or tech, they’re missing out on lucrative opportunities. This feeling is attributed in part to rising tuition and the desire for financial security. Career counselors could use this as an opportunity to broaden students’ horizons before they are recruited into a field with which they may have a moral dilemma. (The New York Times)