Employee development and retention of Generation-Z employees in the post-COVID-19 workplace: a conceptual framework
Benchmarking: An International Journal
ISSN: 1463-5771
Article publication date: 29 January 2021
Issue publication date: 2 August 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to demonstrate a conceptual framework on employee development, organizational performances and retention of Generation-Z employees in the new normal environment beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
With referring to the present literature and utilizing social-exchange and human needs approach, from this study, the authors illustrate a conceptual framework with democratize learning, reverse mentoring and intrepreneurship as key modifications for employee development perspective to retain Generation-Z employees and enhance organizational performance to secure the competitiveness.
Findings
Democratize learning, reverse mentoring and intrapreneurship have a significant potential impact on enhancing Generation-Z employees' development which may effect on attaining better organizational performance and employee retention. In addition, organizational performance may have a moderating effect on employee intention to stay longer.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed conceptual framework would be empirically validated in future research.
Practical implications
Based on the framework, the authors suggest approaches for Generation-Z specific retention strategies on upgrading the employee development subcategory under human resource function in terms of minimizing the disadvantages that are associated with the work from home concept in a post-COVID-19 pandemic era.
Originality/value
One of the very first studies to propose a holistic framework on employee development that subsequently impact on retaining Generation-Z employees in a pandemic situation. This article enriches the human resource management literature by explaining the novel moderating relationship that articulated from organizational performance to employee retention and focussing on Generation-Z employees (younger generation employees).
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The corresponding author thanks Wasantha Kumar Jayathilake, Vajira Shamali Damayanthi, Nipuni Punsara Barupala, Hansinie Madushika Jayathilake, Jayanga Anushan Jayathilake, Madhawa Dananjaya Abeysiriwardena, Lohendran Mahendaran and all his family members for supporting the author financially and facilitating with amenities. And the author also expresses his gratitude for the editorial team of this journal including Professor Angappa Gunasekaran and Subha Arounkumar for acceptance and support.
Citation
Jayathilake, H.D., Daud, D., Eaw, H.C. and Annuar, N. (2021), "Employee development and retention of Generation-Z employees in the post-COVID-19 workplace: a conceptual framework", Benchmarking: An International Journal, Vol. 28 No. 7, pp. 2343-2364. https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-06-2020-0311
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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