Now staff are given time off for birthdays and pet bereavement as woke workplaces cave in to Gen Z workers’ demands

•  Woke generation Z workers are now demanding the day off on their birthdays
•  High street chain Timpson is leading the way in caving in to workers’ demands
•  Other British companies joining the trend include Virgin Media and Dunelm

It used to be that the most employees could hope for on their birthday was a slice of cake in the office.

But many Generation Z workers are demanding the day off – and woke workplaces are caving in.

The high street chain Timpson is leading the way – and is also offering pet bereavement leave and extra holidays for honeymooners.

Other British companies joining the trend include Virgin Media, Dunelm, Go Compare, KPMG, Click Travel and the legal firm Shoosmiths.

Many Generation Z workers are demanding the day off – and woke workplaces are caving in

Offers such as ‘beer Fridays’, lunch with the company board and subsidised yoga sessions are among other carrots dangled to woo staff.

Opinion on the trend is divided, however, with Charlie Mullins, one of the country’s most successful entrepreneurs, claiming that bosses who indulge people in this way are putting their businesses at risk.

But others say flexibility has become the priority for business in the post-pandemic world and firms must adapt to attract skilled staff.

Mr Mullins, who founded Pimlico Plumbers, Britain’s biggest independent plumbing company, in 1979, said: ‘I used to have staff telling me they weren’t coming in because their cat was ill. It’s the woke attitude. It’s ridiculous and it’s getting worse.

‘Giving staff perks doesn’t make them more productive. You’re just adding an additional cost. Some businesses will go under because of it.

Offers such as ‘beer Fridays’, lunch with the company board and subsidised yoga sessions are among other carrots dangled to woo staff

‘Employees will soon be telling you when they fancy coming in – at that point you might as well pack up.’

Mr Mullins, who sold Pimlico Plumbers last year but retained a property maintenance company, added: ‘Workers are abusing the labour shortage and employers are falling for the trick. I’m a big fan of recruiting older people generally because they’re not workshy.’

But Simon Wingate, managing director of jobs agency Reed, said: ‘In the old days it was all about what size salary you could offer. We’re seeing more organisations promoting flexible working and benefits.’

Jill Cotton, from the jobs analyst Glassdoor, said: ‘Companies that don’t adapt to the priorities of workers will find themselves prone to high turnover and struggling to attract talent.’

Source: Read Full Article