What Gen Z’s Look For in an Employer

The newest batch of University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) graduates have overcome the challenges of studying amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, they share the key traits they look for in potential employers.

Work-life balance

Damia Munira Bakhthiar, a graduate in environmental sciences, is a proponent of work-life balance. She wants to work for a company with a strong ethical culture that values its people and the environment.

According to a press release, she wants the opportunity to continue learning and growing. Her employer of choice would be a company that offers capacity-building opportunities with seasoned specialists and relevant facilities around the workplace to support her professional growth.

Damia's opinions were shared by Brendan Chew Yiun Cherk, a BA (Hons) in International Communication Studies with Film and Television graduate.

He said he values an employer or a workplace that enables the employees' healthy growth and career progression via opportunities.  

"This could be through training, networking, teambuilding, exchange programmes, and feedback sessions. Transparency is also important," Brendan said.

The Ampang native argues that workplaces must also emphasise the humane side of work.

He added that employers could achieve productivity without being at the expense of the employees' well-being and mental health. 

Supportive work environment

Suggensheevan Suthagar, a mechanical engineering master's degree holder, said his ideal employer offers a supportive work environment, development opportunities, and good benefits and remuneration.

The Penangite stated: "In addition to taking into account the current cost of living, these factors, on top of clear career advancement opportunities, all play a role in employee motivation and productivity."

Tan Kang Rui, a Johorean, has his heart set on having good coworkers and a fully functional workspace.

Furthermore, he wants employers to recognise the importance of encouraging an employee's goals for lifelong learning, such as continuing postgraduate studies.

Tan, the youngest of five children, earned a civil engineering degree from UNM.

Qualities of a good employer

In the opinion of Debra Wong, who has a degree in international relations with French, the three most essential qualities of a good employer are: 

• Empathy, 

• Accountability, and 

• Clarity of purpose.

"I hope to work with managers or employers who take the time to understand the factors that affect my work productivity," she said.

She added that she would enjoy working with employers who are honest in building rapport with team members and providing mentorship, resources and opportunities for career growth.

"The working world can be hard to navigate, so I look forward to having someone in the workplace who will invest in me, point out my mistakes, along with showing me ways that I can do better."

Acknowledging that every workplace has its own set of values, vision, and mission, Wong believes that employers must hold themselves accountable for their values and take ownership of their work.

According to Wong, employees are inspired to follow suit when leaders exhibit these principles.

Source: HR Asia