Prime Highlights:
- Cohesity is training managers to better understand and collaborate with Gen Z employees to drive growth.
- The company promotes openness and clear communication to create a workplace where all generations can succeed.
Key Facts:
- Cohesity has nearly 6,000 employees and over $1.5 billion in revenue.
- The Gen Z training program has led to lower staff turnover, higher engagement, and plans to double the number of interns next season.
Key Background:
Rebecca Adams, Chief People Officer at Cohesity, a data protection startup with over $1.5 billion in revenue, is leading a program to help managers work better with Gen Z employees. With nearly 6,000 staff, Adams believes teaching leaders how to engage this generation is key to growth.
She says Gen Z works differently, often wanting clear instructions, feedback, and purpose. “They don’t just follow directions; they want to know why and how things are done,” she explains. To help, Cohesity runs programs that teach managers to communicate clearly and guide younger employees on basics like time management and meeting etiquette.
The program also focuses on openness and boundaries. Adams presented the change of practices in the workplace as instances of interns who departed meetings early or communicated their personal plans without fear. Although some of the behaviors were quite surprising to the managers, the transparency has been perceived by the company as a good thing. “Gen Z employees are clear about their schedules and priorities, which builds trust and better teamwork,” she adds.
Cohesity asks managers to move away from the “because I told you so” approach and instead explain how tasks relate to the company’s goals. Employee feedback and employee engagement surveys are the two methods used by Adams to make decisions and enhance team communication.
The program has already shown results, including lower staff turnover, higher engagement, and better weekly feedback. Cohesity plans to double its number of interns next season, showing its commitment to growing talent.
Adams says understanding Gen Z is important. They think differently and bring new ideas. Cohesity trains managers and promotes openness to help everyone succeed and grow the company.
