Abstract:
1. Introduction
As Generation Z enters the workforce, workplaces need several changes to
be made to attract and retain these digital natives. However, the Sri Lankan
context has yet to receive significant research attention. Working and
retaining Generation Z personnel present challenges for Human Resource
professionals in Sri Lanka's apparel sector. This research explores
challenges like work-life balance, job expectations, and communication
gaps, focusing on Human Resource professionals’ experiences and
perceptions.
2. Research Methodology
We employed an exploratory study within the interpretivism paradigm and
the qualitative methodology. Data was collected through eight semi-
structured interviews with purposively selected Human Resource
professionals from a leading apparel manufacturing company spread
across six different locations in Sri Lanka. The findings were generated
through thematic analysis.
3. Findings and Discussion
Eight key themes emerged, revealing twenty-one different challenges that
Human Resource professionals in the apparel sector face when managing
Generation Z: work ethics and commitment, work-life balance and
flexibility, career progression, and compensation, communication and
interpersonal skills, learning and development, feedback and performance
management, task management and prioritization, and attraction and
turnover.
4. Conclusion and Implications
The study concludes that Human Resource professionals in the apparel
sector face diverse challenges when managing Generation Z employees.
These findings highlighted several actionable strategy recommendations,
which include innovative approaches to training, more adaptable work
schedules, and technology integrations to transform the conventional work
environment by providing a solid basis for developing customized HR
strategies that utilize the human capital to empower the Sri Lankan apparel
sector
