Title: The aftermath of COVID-19: exploring workplace expectations among GenZ in India

Authors: Karuna Prakash; Prakash Tiwari

Addresses: Department of Management Studies, DIT University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248009, India ' Department of Management Studies, DIT University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248009, India

Abstract: This research paper aims to explore the workplace expectations of GenZ employees from their employers during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic in India. A qualitative approach has been adopted for this study. Telephonic interviews and digital focus groups were conducted among GenZ. These interviews have proved vital in gathering authentic and accurate insights into the expectations of these generations. The findings of the study, reveals that the younger generations in the workforce are highly inclined towards a proper work-life balance. These younger employees expect their leaders and managers to talk and work more towards improving mental health of employees along with creating a community feeling of support and encouragement especially during the rough phases of the pandemic. The challenges of working from home, the after effects of self-isolation and the ever increasing pressure to perform in the midst of the pandemic have greatly influenced the expectations of young employees. The conceptualisation of the expectations of GenZ in this paper is vital for managers and leaders to foster better strategies and plans to optimise output and maintain retention.

Keywords: COVID-19; workplace expectations; GenZ; psychological contract; generations; India.

DOI: 10.1504/IJICBM.2023.134242

International Journal of Indian Culture and Business Management, 2023 Vol.30 No.2, pp.196 - 213

Received: 16 Jun 2022
Accepted: 19 Jun 2022
Published online: 14 Oct 2023 *

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