While there are more leadership styles than most are aware of today, embracing empathetic leadership is essential for leaders looking to effectively lead Generation Z (or Zoomers) in today's workplace.
According to recent research and surveys, Zoomers are not only looking for employment that offers a healthy work-life balance, but they are looking for workplaces that would allow for them to develop and grow under leaders that care about their wellbeing as an entire person. So what sets apart empathetic leadership from other styles? In short, empathetic leadership not only aligns today’s organizations with Zoomer core values and expectations, but it also fosters a supportive environment for everyone regardless of what generation an employee is classified in.
Still, here are three main areas that highlight why empathetic leadership is vital for success when working with Zoomers that are entering the workforce.
Empathetic Leadership Aligns with Gen Z's Values
Some of the characteristic factors that was found to differentiate Zoomers from other generations of employees is that they prioritize work-life balance, mental health, and having caring leaders to report to. A study by the Top Employers Institute reveals that 62% of Gen Z employees are willing to accept lower pay for better work-life balance, with 82% valuing schedule flexibility and 83% believing employers should support their psychological health. This underscores the importance of leaders who are attuned to their needs.
Empathetic Leadership is Vital for Organizations Wanting to Hire or Retain Zoomers
Empathetic leadership involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others, creating an environment where employees feel valued, safe, and understood. For Zoomers, this leadership style is particularly effective. Research indicates that 74% of Gen Zers consider empathy as a critical trait that a work supervisor must possess, yet many leaders rank it lower in importance. By prioritizing empathy, you can bridge this gap, enhance team cohesion, and likely retain a more innovative and energetic generation of employees.
Empathetic Leadership is More Than Just for Gen Z
Empathetic leadership is not just a way of leading that is highly coveted by Gen Z. According to Leadership Excellence Magazine, Millennials are not only adjusting to the approach, but are also preferring the same qualities that would support empathetic leadership. Elsewhere, adopting an empathetic approach leads to several additional advantages:
- Enhanced Engagement: Gen Z employees are more likely to be engaged when they feel their leaders understand and support them. However, when empathy is nurtured in and throughout the culture of an organization, it can also be an avenue that companies should consider when seeking to have a more open and communicative workplace culture.
- Improved Retention: A supportive environment reduces turnover rates, as employees are more likely to stay with organizations that value their wellbeing.
- Increased Productivity: When employees feel understood, they are more motivated and productive.
- Nurtures Diversity: When organizations are looking to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, or better support a highly multigenerational workforce, empathetic leadership was found to be one of the more appreciated approach by employees in the work environment.
So how do you go about adopt and apply an empathetic leadership style to your team, department, or organization you might ask? To cultivate empathy, there are three main steps that you can take:
- Practice and Engage in Active Listening. Engage attentively with your team members, valuing their perspectives.
- Nurture Open Communication. Encourage transparency and honesty, creating a safe space for sharing ideas and concerns.
- Practice Awareness Around Mental Health. Implement initiatives that promote mental well-being, acknowledging its importance in the workplace.
By integrating empathetic leadership into your management or leadership practices, you will find it easier to align with Gen Z and Millennial expectations, and create a more harmonious and productive work environment for everyone.
