Leading the Next Generation: How Gen Z Thinks, Works, and Connects

Posted on March 30, 2026 in Company News

In the latest session of Delta Dental of Iowa’s virtual series, The Green Room, Delta Dental president and CEO April Schmaltz welcomed Dr. Nikki Harken, author and professor at the University of Northern Iowa. They discussed what leaders need to know about Gen Z as they enter the workforce.

Here’s a brief recap of the themes that emerged during this Green Room session: Leading the Next Generation: How Gen Z Thinks, Works, and Connects.

Gen Z is shaped by a different world

Every generation is shaped by the world around it, and Gen Z is no exception. This generation grew up in times of financial instability, rapid technology change, the pandemic, mass shootings, and powerful conversations around identity, mental health, and social issues.

These experiences influenced how many Gen Z employees view work, leadership, and the future. They are often seeking stability, clarity, and a sense of connection.

The role of values in how Gen Z works

Gen Z is generally values-driven in how they work, shop, and live. For example, they may approach a job search with great intentionality, seeking like-minded organizations to work for. Ultimately, they want to know that the company they join cares about the same things they do.

This generation tends to be highly intentional. They care about authenticity and whether leaders truly align with the organization’s values. For employers, this means culture should not be limited to talking points but should be lived out daily in the workplace. Culture is a key factor in Gen Z’s decision to stay.

When faced with conflict, communication is key

Many Gen Z employees will seek out workplace flexibility. The ability to work from home is often less about convenience and more about maintaining a work-life balance. This prioritization can sometimes create tension across generations, especially with those who expect urgency, presence, and routine availability.

These differences in expectation can often be addressed through deeper communication. When leaders explain the “why” behind their needs and asks and invite conversation, it may become easier to find common ground with Gen Z.

Mentorship and clarity are essential

Due to the pandemic, many Gen Zers have limited experience in professional environments. As such, they will benefit from having a mentor or trusted person who can answer questions, offer reassurance, and help them feel more comfortable in a formal setting.

Clarity is recommended when providing instruction or feedback to Gen Z. They want to understand specifically what success looks like, how they have performed, and ways they can improve. For leaders, this openness to feedback creates an opportunity to coach with more intention and build trust early.     

Gen Z brings their strengths to the workplace

Green Room guest, Dr. Harken, described Gen Z as tech-savvy, empathetic, socially aware, creative, and highly motivated. She encouraged leaders to challenge common misconceptions about Gen Z, especially those around entitlement or laziness. In many cases, when leaders take time to understand their Gen Z employees, it can shift the relationship in a positive way.

For leaders to tap into the greatest strengths of Gen Z, they should:

• Stay curious, digging deeper to uncover motivations
• Explain expectations clearly and thoroughly
• Be willing to listen and guide, staying open to change

Watch the Green Room on-demand

There’s a lot more to explore in this episode of The Green Room, including discussion around work-life balance, learning styles, and mentorship for Gen Z. To hear the full conversation, we invite you to watch the replay.