CHALLENGES FACED BY HUMAN RESOURCE PROFESSIONALS WHEN WORKING WITH GENERATION Z EMPLOYEES IN THE SRI LANKAN APPAREL SECTOR COMPANIES

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