Eureka logo black

Our solutions

EurekaLab

About us

EN

Eureka logo black
Eureka logo black

Gen Z “Glue”

Gen Z “Glue”

How Can We Motivate the New Generation?

How Can We Motivate the New Generation?

kata stumpf gabi bodi simling eachother

Gen Z “Glue”

How Can We Motivate the New Generation?

5 minutes

2025. ápr. 25.

Organizational Culture

Leadership

Podcast

kata stumpf gabi bodi simling eachother

Gen Z “Glue”

How Can We Motivate the New Generation?

5 minutes

2025. ápr. 25.

Organizational Culture

Leadership

Podcast

kata stumpf gabi bodi simling eachother

Gen Z “Glue”

How Can We Motivate the New Generation?

5 minutes

2025. ápr. 25.

Organizational Culture

Leadership

Podcast

With every new generation entering the job market, new modes of operation and fresh motivations emerge—bringing new collaboration challenges with them. Generation Z is no exception.

In previous articles, we’ve explored intergenerational cooperation and the dilemmas of integrating Gen Z. Yet there are still misconceptions worth clearing up if we want smoother, more effective teamwork.

Can we really not expect long-term commitment from them—or do they simply need a different approach? And what fresh perspectives do they bring when it comes to motivation or feedback? These are the questions discussed by Kata Stumpf, co-founder and head of the Konnekt Association, in the latest episode of our Game Changers Podcast.

A different rhythm, a different drive – Commitment in Gen Z

According to Gallup research, Gen Z does see commitment differently: surveys show that 54% fall into the “less engaged” category—a higher rate than in older generations. But active disengagement (“I’ll just get the job done”) is less common among them.

This suggests the issue isn’t commitment itself—but that Gen Z relates to work differently. They draw clearer boundaries between work and personal life, which could actually support more balanced performance in the long run.

Of course, adapting to workplace norms still matters—but they’re early in their career learning curve. That means we should also consider what fuels their “motivation tanks.” Kata Stumpf highlights three drivers that stand out:

“One is that they can very strongly identify with a mission, the second is the importance of community, and the third is personal development. And interestingly, if you look at company surveys about what matters to Gen Z, these three show up very clearly!”

How to create real motivation

Even if we know what inspires them, the real question is: how do we weave mission, community, and personal development into daily work?

For Gen Z, it’s not enough if these values appear at special events—they need to show up in everyday, even routine, tasks.

“I ask myself: am I helping them identify with the mission? Did I help them feel comfortable in the community? Because it’s important—even if we organise lots of community events, are we actually paying attention to whether they can truly connect, or are there just endless programmes without real conversations? And the third: how can I support their personal growth in everyday life, not just during big training days or annual series?” – explains Kata Stumpf.

Another essential element in encouraging young employees to commit: treat them like adults. Give them a voice in decisions, show them the bigger picture, and prove their opinions matter. The result? They’ll perform better—and feel more committed.

Even if we know what inspires them, the real question is: how do we weave mission, community, and personal development into daily work?

For Gen Z, it’s not enough if these values appear at special events—they need to show up in everyday, even routine, tasks.

“I ask myself: am I helping them identify with the mission? Did I help them feel comfortable in the community? Because it’s important—even if we organise lots of community events, are we actually paying attention to whether they can truly connect, or are there just endless programmes without real conversations? And the third: how can I support their personal growth in everyday life, not just during big training days or annual series?” – explains Kata Stumpf.

Another essential element in encouraging young employees to commit: treat them like adults. Give them a voice in decisions, show them the bigger picture, and prove their opinions matter. The result? They’ll perform better—and feel more committed.

Feedback—But how?

Regular, consistent feedback matters to Gen Z just as much as it does to Gen Y, X, or Baby Boomers. But while older colleagues may prefer formal check-ins, Gen Z often responds better to less formal, more immediate input.

As a Gen Y leader, Kata Stumpf has learned that younger employees often value quick, authentic signals over structured formats.

“I often get anxious about giving feedback the right way in a situation. But then our Gen Z employee says, ‘Kata, that was great feedback when you commented under my post that it was awesome and added a heart emoji.’ That’s what they remember as feedback in their day-to-day experience.” – says Kata Stumpf.

Whether it’s praise or constructive advice, direct and sincere feedback is more likely to land—and be acted on—than something wrapped in ceremony.

Regular, consistent feedback matters to Gen Z just as much as it does to Gen Y, X, or Baby Boomers. But while older colleagues may prefer formal check-ins, Gen Z often responds better to less formal, more immediate input.

As a Gen Y leader, Kata Stumpf has learned that younger employees often value quick, authentic signals over structured formats.

“I often get anxious about giving feedback the right way in a situation. But then our Gen Z employee says, ‘Kata, that was great feedback when you commented under my post that it was awesome and added a heart emoji.’ That’s what they remember as feedback in their day-to-day experience.” – says Kata Stumpf.

Whether it’s praise or constructive advice, direct and sincere feedback is more likely to land—and be acted on—than something wrapped in ceremony.

Listen to the full conversation

Curious to hear more from our conversation with Kata Stumpf, co-founder and head of the Konnekt Association? Listen to the related Game Changers Podcast episode, where we go deeper into how Gen Z thinks about commitment, community, and feedback. Available now on YouTube.

Fund it intriguing?

Hop on a Zoom call with us. The first 30 minutes are on us!

Fund it intriguing?

Hop on a Zoom call with us. The first 30 minutes are on us!

Fund it intriguing?

Hop on a Zoom call with us. The first 30 minutes are on us!

Recomended articles

You’re in the right place.

Join the teams who ditched dull and chose real change. With game-based trainings and high-impact experiences, growth feels less like a chore — and more like momentum.

You’re in the right place.

Join the teams who ditched dull and chose real change. With game-based trainings and high-impact experiences, growth feels less like a chore — and more like momentum.

You’re in the right place.

Join the teams who ditched dull and chose real change. With game-based trainings and high-impact experiences, growth feels less like a chore — and more like momentum.

Contact

Wondering how it all works? Let’s talk.

Pick a time that works for you and someone from our team will answer all your questions.


Your chosen slot will automatically appear in your calendar.

Email

Got questions? Drop us a line!

Phone

Quick question? Give us a shout!

Eureka logo

Copyright © 2025 EUREKA GAMES Ltd. – All rights reserved

Contact

Wondering how it all works? Let’s talk.

Pick a time that works for you and someone from our team will answer all your questions.


Your chosen slot will automatically appear in your calendar.

Email

Got questions? Drop us a line!

Phone

Quick question? Give us a shout!

Eureka logo

Copyright © 2025 EUREKA GAMES Ltd. – All rights reserved

Contact

Wondering how it all works? Let’s talk.

Pick a time that works for you and someone from our team will answer all your questions.


Your chosen slot will automatically appear in your calendar.

Email

Got questions? Drop us a line!

Phone

Quick question? Give us a shout!

Eureka logo

Copyright © 2025 EUREKA GAMES Ltd. – All rights reserved