In 2029, millennials and Gen Z together will make up 72% of the global workforce, surging from 52% in 2019.1 While millennials have already become the cornerstone of the workforce, many of the Gen Z, loosely defined as those born between 1996 and 2010, have also embarked on their career journey.
When the work environment and formation is evolving, how can employers keep the next-gen workforce engaged?
Reinvent Communication in Workplace
While companies find it crucial to take the pulse of employees frequently through surveys and feedback, some struggle with a low participation rate or ‘safe’ answers. Many employees are reluctant to give honest feedback, which is especially true to Asian cultures that value harmony. Although it is not harmful, it can hinder the company from looking into the core of problems and enhancing employee engagement.
To tackle the low participation rate, we should go beyond the ‘traditional’ survey that promises belated rewards, instead, provide streamlined and prompt positive responses. AIA One, an internal employee’s app for AIA Hong Kong and Macau region, responds to the problem by dispatching rewards like e-coupons instantly to users’ accounts, omitting the tedious administration process and allowing users to consume rewards right away. As a result, corporate messages are delivered more effectively, keeping employees moving towards the collective goal.
Figure 1: Schedule virtual 1-1 meetings surveys
Figure 2: Conduct anonymous surveys
Figure 3: Health check-in
It is also noteworthy that the app allows users to give anonymous feedback, building a trust foundation between the senior management and encouraging honest reviews. In the long run, the mechanism facilitates two-way interactions and fosters a more transparent culture where employees are more comfortable and willing to share their opinions. In AIA One’s case, the average response rate of surveys has spiked up to 75% after deployment. Human resources personnel could then transform the collected data into decisions and actions, following up on employees’ reflections.
