The impact of Generation Z on the Workplace: A scoping review

Abstract

Abstract: Orientation: Generation Z (Gen Z) has different communication styles, leadership preferences, job expectations and workplace perceptions. As they enter the workplace, these differences create new challenges for managers and organisations. However, research on their workplace impact remains limited, calling for a synthesis of current evidence. Research purpose: This study adopts a scoping review methodology to map the literature regarding Gen Z employees’ impact on the workplace, present a complete picture of the literature, summarise the evidence, highlight knowledge gaps and provide directions for future research. Motivation for the study: Generation Z has become a large part of the workforce. They may reshape workplace practices and management approaches. However, a search using relevant strings revealed that no review has specifically synthesised evidence of their impact on the workplace. Research approach/design and method: This study used a scoping review design following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines. This approach was used to map existing evidence on Gen Z employees’ impact on the workplace, clarify key concepts and identify research gaps. The review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. Main findings: This scoping review maps the existing evidence from 38 studies to report Gen Z employees’ impact on the workplace. This study has identified six impact themes, namely communication, leadership and management practices, organisational performance, organisational culture, digital transformation and withdrawal and misconduct. Practical/managerial implications: This review offers practical insights to help organisations manage Gen Z’s workplace impact more effectively. Managers should pay closer attention to the six impacts, so that Gen Z employees’ contribution to workplace change and organisational performance can be better supported. Contribution/value-add: By outlining what has been studied and where evidence remains limited, this review has identified certain research gaps from different perspectives, providing useful guidance for future research.

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