How to create the ideal workplace for GenZ

In the early days of my career in the telecommunications industry, workplace culture was rarely discussed. Metrics like productivity and efficiency dominated, and concepts such as DEI, culture or employee well-being were seen as secondary to business success. Baffled by this attitude, I remember thinking “Why isn’t anyone measuring this?” My path from telecoms to founding Inclusio was shaped by that lingering question. 

Fast forward to today, and the question feels more urgent than ever. With Gen Z expected to comprise nearly 30 percent of the global workforce by 2030, culture is no longer a "soft" concept—it’s a strategic priority. This generation wants more than a paycheck; they expect workplaces to reflect their values of inclusivity, mental well-being, and social responsibility.

I spent 20 years in the global telecoms industry as an engineer and where I led on diversity, equity and inclusion. While I was studying my Masters in Organisational Psychology, I realised there is a way to use technology, science and AI to address one of the biggest challenges facing global employers today; how to measure diversity and company culture and link the metrics to business KPI's.

So, in 2016 I spun the idea for inclusio into Dublin City University. One of the biggest challenges I faced at the time was the perception that 'D&I is a nice to have' not a business imperative. Thankfully, I managed to convince Enterprise Ireland to back the idea and fund us through the commercialisation fund.

At inclusio, our mission is to help organisations quantify culture and align it with business goals. The idea that "what gets measured gets done" underpins everything we do, and our work with clients highlights how transformative cultural alignment can be - particularly as Gen Z reshapes the workplace.

Gen Z is uncompromising in its demands for authenticity and alignment with values. Research backs this up: 65 percent of undergraduates say they won’t apply to companies whose values don’t align with theirs. For this generation, diversity and inclusion are non-negotiable. As the most diverse generation in history, they expect workplaces to not only hire inclusively but to reflect diversity in leadership, policies, and day-to-day culture.

inclusio’s data shows that Gen Z also places mental health and well-being at the forefront. They don’t just want surface-level wellness initiatives; they seek comprehensive mental health support and a culture that prioritises work-life balance. Flexibility is a must—not just in where they work but in how they work. Companies that fail to adapt risk losing top talent to more forward-thinking competitors.

Organisations that embrace these values see real benefits. A 2024 London School of Economics report revealed that companies implementing intergenerationally inclusive work practices reduced low productivity among Gen Z employees from 37 percent to just 18 percent. Moreover, 87 percent of employees in these workplaces reported high productivity, compared to 58 percent in companies without such practices.

These aren’t just statistics—they reflect what we see in our work at Inclusio. Companies that align their workplace policies with Gen Z’s priorities consistently experience improved performance, innovation, and employee engagement. Inclusive workplaces attract top talent and foster environments where employees—particularly younger generations—feel valued and motivated to contribute their best work.

One of the most exciting insights from our work is the link between inclusivity and innovation. Organisations that prioritise diverse perspectives and psychological safety create spaces where employees feel empowered to share ideas. This culture of openness encourages experimentation and creativity, often leading to breakthroughs in products, services, and processes. By actively listening to Gen Z and embedding their values into the organization’s fabric, companies unlock fresh perspectives that enhance competitiveness. Gen Z employees aren’t afraid to challenge outdated norms, making them catalysts for positive change.

One challenge we frequently hear from leaders is fostering trust in hybrid or remote environments. Gen Z’s comfort with technology makes them adept at remote work, but it also raises their expectations for seamless digital collaboration and communication. Companies that meet these expectations while ensuring transparency and psychological safety will be the ones that retain top Gen Z talent.

Creating a workplace that resonates with Gen Z goes beyond mission statements or token initiatives. It requires data-driven insights and a commitment to continuous improvement. At inclusio, we combine behavioral science with data capture to give leaders a unique insight into their organisation’s cultural health. This helps pinpoint strengths and weaknesses, empowering leaders to build inclusive environments where all employees—not just Gen Z—can thrive.

For leaders seeking to attract and retain this transformative generation, here are three actionable strategies:

1. Embed DEI into Business Metrics
   Treat diversity, equity, and inclusion as a measurable business priority. Use data to track progress, set benchmarks, and hold leaders accountable.
2. Prioritise Mental Health and Well-being
   Go beyond generic wellness programs. Foster a culture that values work-life balance and offers robust mental health support.
3. Communicate Openly and Authentically
   Gen Z values transparency. Regularly share progress on DEI, sustainability, and well-being initiatives to build trust and engagement.

Gen Z is pushing companies to rethink what it means to create a thriving workplace culture. They are not afraid to challenge the status quo, and they expect their employers to do the same. As organisations grapple with this generational shift, those that embrace inclusivity, transparency, and well-being as strategic priorities will not only attract and retain top talent but also drive innovation and long-term success.

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About inclusio

inclusio is a pioneering Irish technology company dedicated to transforming workplace culture through its cutting-edge platform. Founded in 2020 as a spin-out from Dublin City University (DCU) inclusio combines the disciplines of engineering, psychology, ethical AI and behavioural science to provide precise, evidence-based data for measuring and enhancing organisational diversity and culture. For more information, visit https://inclusio.io/ 

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