The digital era has transformed both how we work and what we expect from our workplaces.

Gone are the days when a one-size-fits-all leadership style was effective. Today, behavioural science is reshaping our understanding of effective leadership, offering insights and on-the-ground strategies into how leaders can adapt their styles to better suit the needs of their teams and organisations.

The Influence of Behavioural Science on Leadership

Today's employees, especially those belonging to Gen Z, are looking for more than just a pay cheque. They want workplaces that are engaging, flexible, and align with their values. In this context, companies need to adapt their strategies to attract and retain the modern workforce.  

The new-age employee is tech-savvy, values work-life balance, and seeks purpose and personal growth in their career. They’re not just looking for a job; they're looking for an experience – one that offers growth, learning, and alignment with their personal values.  

Here’s how we can leverage digital tools for attraction:

• Company Culture and Online Presence: A strong online presence that highlights company culture, values, and the work environment in a candid nature can be incredibly appealing. Think behind the scenes storytelling rather than flashy ad campaigns.

• Digital Recruitment Processes: Implementing seamless, user-friendly digital recruitment processes shows a company is modern and values the candidate's time and experience. This includes using online platforms for job postings, applications, assessments, and interviews.

• Digital Simulations for Immersive Experiences: Harness digital simulations and e-learning to give potential employees a virtual tour of the office or to simulate job roles provides a unique and engaging recruitment experience.

It’s just as important to engage employees post-hire:

• Onboarding and Training: Digital tools make onboarding and training more engaging and efficient. Online modules, interactive learning platforms, and virtual reality simulations for training can enhance the learning experience for new employees.

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Using digital tools to facilitate remote work or flexible hours is a significant draw with the latest generation of employees. Tools like project management software, virtual collaboration platforms, and communication tools are essential in supporting flexible work arrangements.

• Continuous Feedback and Growth Opportunities: Digital platforms for continuous performance feedback, career development paths, and learning opportunities cater to the new-age employee’s desire for growth and regular feedback.

How to foster a digital workplace culture:

• Communication and Collaboration Tools: Implementing tools that enable easy and efficient communication and collaboration supports a positive digital work culture.

• Employee Engagement Platforms: Platforms that allow for social interaction, recognition, and employee engagement activities can help in building a community and maintaining high morale.

• Data-Driven Insights: Using data analytics to gain insights into employee satisfaction and engagement can help in making informed decisions to improve the workplace environment.

In the digital age, attracting and retaining new-age employees requires a blend of technology and a deep understanding of their expectations.

By leveraging digital tools and creating an engaging, flexible, and growth-oriented work environment, companies can successfully attract and retain the talented workforce that will drive their future success. In this digital revolution, it's about creating experiences that resonate with the aspirations and values of the modern employee.

Need more?

Want to learn more about intrinsic motivation and how to design learning experiences where the learner’s self-desire is the main motivator? Get in touch.

About the author

Tricia Martin is an FYA Young Social Pioneer and an Australian Women Leading Tech Finalist. She also coached an Under 9’s netball team in her local community, which she thinks is just as impressive. She continually looks for ways to use technology, behavioural science and digital experiences to meet people’s needs and find people-centred solutions to messy problems. She spends her free time reading sci-fi books, scouring thrift stores and watching Buffy for the fifteenth time.