Gen Z needs constant validation at work, study claims

Gen Z is the most needy group in Aussie workplaces, a new study has claimed.

At least a couple of times a week, more than half of Gen Z, 54 per cent, want praise from bosses for their efforts at work, according to data by Australian research firm McCrindle.

Not far behind is Gen Y on 45 per cent, followed by Gen X, 28 per cent, and Baby Boomers are the most secure and confident on 17 per cent, the research showed.

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While the research showed young Australians seek praise at work, this is balanced with a preference for consistent, constructive feedback, researcher Mark McCrindle said.

Almost three in five Gen Z seek constructive feedback about how they can improve in their role at least a couple of times of a week.

The Gen Z generation are born between 1997 and 2012, and are the youngest segment of Australia's workforce.

McCrindle said Gen Z and younger Aussies clearly yearn for a workplace culture that "celebrates their efforts and accomplishments consistently".

"Older Australians display a lower demand for regular feedback," McCrindle said.

Gen X and Baby Boomers prefer less constructive input, he said, "highlighting their seasoned confidence and self-assurance in their roles".

In May, Australian Federal Police commissioner caused a ruckus when he called Gen Z workers "needy" because some young people seek praise three times a week.

Addressing a Senate estimates committee hearing, top cop Reece Kershaw said there was a chasm in the way different generations need to be managed at work.

"We learned that Gen Z, the younger generation, need three times a week praise from their supervisors," he said.

"The next generation only need three times a year and my generation only need once a year."

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Kershaw also expressed how communication between the age groups, especially when it came to emojis, could be a source of confusion.

"I saw some emojis that Gen Z use, that is actually offensive, but my generation use these emojis," he said.

"The world's changing, I guess … you know a happy face – that can actually mean the opposite in Gen Z land."

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The following day the AFP issued a statement seeking to clarify that Kershaw was not trying to be disparaging about the younger generation, or making personal remarks.

"Reports that AFP Commissioner believes different generations require different levels of praise are incorrect," the statement said.

"The Commissioner was referring to information recently presented to a policing forum."