The Psychosocial Experiences of Gen Z Entry-Level Employees in Corporate Organisations

Gen Z is an emerging talent entering the world of work with distinct characteristics, expectations, preferences, and aspirations compared to previous generations. Therefore, there is growing interest in understanding Gen Z’s entry-level experiences, particularly the psychosocial experiences of this unique generation as they transition into the world of work. Hence, the purpose of this study was to explore the psychosocial experiences of entry-level Gen Z newcomers in South African organisations. This study used a qualitative research approach, drawing on a social constructivist perspective. In-depth interviews were conducted to collect data on the lived experiences of nine Gen Z employees who had recently entered the workforce. A conventional content analysis approach was used to analyse the qualitative data. Salient psychosocial factors influencing the psychosocial experiences and professional adjustment and transition of Gen Z newcomers into the world of work were identified. This study indicated that organisations should focus on onboarding processes, supportive line managers, reasonable workloads, promoting work–life balance, providing meaningful work, supporting career management and development, creating diverse and inclusive work environments, promoting employee well-being, and providing technologically advanced and modern job tools to enhance positive psychosocial experiences of Gen Z newcomers in the workforce. This study sheds light on the psychosocial factors that promote positive psychosocial experiences among Gen Z newcomers, offering unique insights into the growing literature on the Gen Z generation.