Employee development and retention of Generation-Z employees in the post-COVID-19 workplace: a conceptual framework

Abstract

PurposeThe 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/approachWith 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.FindingsDemocratize 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/implicationsThe proposed conceptual framework would be empirically validated in future research.Practical implicationsBased 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/valueOne 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).