After Generation Y, we have now arrived at Generation Z – and like every generation, this one is also attributed certain characteristics. These result from technological and social developments.
Those who belong to Generation Y – the so-called Millenials ¬- are the first generation of digital natives, just like the next generation “Z”, born after 1995. For the latter, tablet and smartphone are part of life. Here, people inform and present themselves, are active in social media, comment and interact with others – definitely connected with a leap of faith, which, however, can quickly be gambled away.
Company-Processes
What does this mean for companies? Many processes here are not based on trust, but on mistrust. In his book “Speed of Trust”, Steven Covey IV rightly asked how much control a company can afford nowadays. For him, money, time and trust form a triangle. The more company processes rely on trust, the faster and more cost-efficient the work.
Many controls, on the other hand, lead to mistrust and fear dominating the work, just think of bag or locker checks to prevent theft, or complicated forms for reimbursing expenses. Even if these examples seem harmless – the result is quickly a climate of anticipatory obedience and hedging in all directions, which affects every form of decision-making. Always be on the safe side, just don’t do anything wrong – this mindset weakens the dynamism and innovative power of companies, a fatal development in view of the upcoming digitalisation and automation in almost all industries.
Employee Engagement
Not to mention the effects on employee retention. What young employees of generations Y and Z would want to work in a company whose managers have so little trust in them? It is precisely the sought-after younger employees who prefer to pull the ripcord and sign on with a company that shows them more appreciation.
Conclusion: It pays for companies to have confidence in their employees – not only financially, but also as an investment in the future.
If you would like to review your processes to see whether they are based more on trust or mistrust: I would be happy to do it for you!
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