As part of our series of understanding ‘Gen Z’s’ in the work place, another student we questioned about their views and thoughts on their first job was a seventeen-year-old who worked within an administrative role as a receptionist for a small, family-owned business.

As you will see from the responses to the following quick-fire questions, aspects such as the remuneration and her colleagues were the main motivating factors of her experience of this role. These answers would suggest that she did not feel as if she had enough support from management as she thought she needed. Is this a ‘classic Generation Z’ outlook? Or perhaps did the leadership and management team not engage enough with their staff members?

How did you feel about the leadership?

The management and leadership varied from day to day, but was fairly informal overall. The manager was very approachable, however it did not feel as if he was often around organising and supporting his team.

How did you feel about the work you did?

The work was quite stressful at times as there was a lot to manage at once. As it was a small business there weren’t many other members of staff to help out when it was busy, which made me feel like I had too many responsibilities leaving me feeling overwhelmed.

 Would you have recommended people to work there?

The company itself yes, however in a different job role.

Did you trust the company?

Yes.

Did you feel the company cared about you?

Yes.

What kept you motivated while you were there?

I got paid very well, particularly for my age. Other team members were often upbeat also, which made the working environment more comfortable. These kept me motivated whilst I worked there, although I did not particularly enjoy the job role itself.

How did it make you feel? Or if you weren’t particularly motivated there why was that, how did that make you feel?

I liked the company and if I had been more confident and competent within the role I believe I would have been more motivated to excel.

What made you leave?

It was a part-time summer job, however the main reason I left was because I did not enjoy the job.

Do you have a view or opinion you want to share? We’d love to hear your experiences about work and workplaces. Get in touch and tell us the good or bad, email or phone we’d really appreciate it and might include it in our next blog.

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Engage & Prosper is a UK based privately owned Employee Engagement Consultancy and Social Enterprise, on a mission to help organisations develop a highly productive and fulfilling workplace culture, with their people, through enhanced employee engagement strategies, fabulous and effective internal communications platforms and tailored reward and recognition programmes.

For more information on Engage & Prosper or to discover how we can help you achieve your organisational and people goals please call +44 (0) 330 223 0464 or find out more at www.engageandprosper.com