BLOG

Feedback Culture: Why Gen Z Craves Regular Reviews and Open Communication

Feedback, an integral component of personal and professional growth, has been viewed differently across generations. But with Gen Z entering the workforce, the need for consistent, open feedback has been redefined. Unlike the more reserved sessions of yesteryears, Gen Z craves continuous communication to ensure they’re on the right track.

A notable aspect of Gen Z’s feedback culture is their preference for face-to-face interactions. A report by The Workforce Institute reveals that 75% of employees prefer receiving feedback in person, contrasting sharply with the 16% who lean towards text messages and the mere 9% favouring emails. This desire for a personal touch in communication underscores the value Gen Z places on genuine human connections, even in an era dominated by digital communication.

The way feedback is structured and delivered is also pivotal for employees. Another finding from the same report highlights that Gen Zers not only want regular feedback but expect it to be specific, constructive, and a balanced mix of both positive and negative insights. They appreciate it when their successes are celebrated, be it individually or as part of a team. The medium of communication, interestingly, has also shifted with people open to feedback through various high-tech platforms like video calls, instant messaging chats, and gamified applications.

Recognising this shift, many organisations are evolving their feedback mechanisms to resonate with Gen Z’s expectations. As outlined in a Harvard Business Review article, managers are now encouraged to provide continuous, clear, and actionable feedback, complete with real-life examples. The frequency of these sessions has increased, with 60% of employees desiring multiple check-ins weekly, and a significant 40% hoping for daily interactions. The paradigm has transitioned from long, drawn-out sessions to brief, frequent, and tech-enabled meetings.

Certain companies have managed to stand out by successfully adapting to this feedback culture. As highlighted by a McKinsey & Company report, Gen Z values individual expression and is deeply committed to diverse causes. Organisations that have fostered such an environment, that respects individual expression and provides avenues for them to rally behind causes they’re passionate about have resonated well with this generation.

As Gen Z becomes an increasingly dominant force in the workplace, companies must evolve and cater to their preferences. After all, feedback, when delivered right, has the potential to drive unparalleled growth and engagement.

Feedback Culture: Why Gen Z Craves Regular Reviews and Open Communication

Feedback, an integral component of personal and professional growth, has been viewed differently across generations. But with Gen Z entering the workforce, the need for consistent, open feedback has been redefined. Unlike the more reserved sessions of yesteryears, Gen Z craves continuous communication to ensure they’re on the right track.

A notable aspect of Gen Z’s feedback culture is their preference for face-to-face interactions. A report by The Workforce Institute reveals that 75% of employees prefer receiving feedback in person, contrasting sharply with the 16% who lean towards text messages and the mere 9% favouring emails. This desire for a personal touch in communication underscores the value Gen Z places on genuine human connections, even in an era dominated by digital communication.

The way feedback is structured and delivered is also pivotal for employees. Another finding from the same report highlights that Gen Zers not only want regular feedback but expect it to be specific, constructive, and a balanced mix of both positive and negative insights. They appreciate it when their successes are celebrated, be it individually or as part of a team. The medium of communication, interestingly, has also shifted with people open to feedback through various high-tech platforms like video calls, instant messaging chats, and gamified applications.

Recognising this shift, many organisations are evolving their feedback mechanisms to resonate with Gen Z’s expectations. As outlined in a Harvard Business Review article, managers are now encouraged to provide continuous, clear, and actionable feedback, complete with real-life examples. The frequency of these sessions has increased, with 60% of employees desiring multiple check-ins weekly, and a significant 40% hoping for daily interactions. The paradigm has transitioned from long, drawn-out sessions to brief, frequent, and tech-enabled meetings.

Certain companies have managed to stand out by successfully adapting to this feedback culture. As highlighted by a McKinsey & Company report, Gen Z values individual expression and is deeply committed to diverse causes. Organisations that have fostered such an environment, that respects individual expression and provides avenues for them to rally behind causes they’re passionate about have resonated well with this generation.

As Gen Z becomes an increasingly dominant force in the workplace, companies must evolve and cater to their preferences. After all, feedback, when delivered right, has the potential to drive unparalleled growth and engagement.