Beyond the bottom line: how to motivate, engage, and retain small business employees

THERE was a time when a gold watch marked the end of a successful career. You joined a company, stayed loyal for decades, and were rewarded for your time - but not necessarily your impact.

- JEREMY LANG

However, as leadership expert Simon Sinek pointed out back in 2023, that era is long gone. Today's workforce, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are not motivated by long-term promises or end-of-career rewards.

Instead, they crave purpose, recognition, and work that reflects their personal values and ethics.

Purpose over pay

Gen Z and Millennials are redefining what success looks like in the workplace. Career growth is no longer tied to tenure or job titles, but to a sense of purpose and personal fulfilment. A recent HR Future article notes that 63% of Gen Z professionals consider growth opportunities as a key workplace factor - but this growth needs to be transparent, merit-based, and aligned with their values.

These generations want to work for companies that do more than just generate profit. They're drawn to businesses that stand for something - whether that's sustainability, mental health advocacy, community upliftment, or ethical leadership. According to Human8, over 70% of Gen Z employees in South Africa expect brands and employers to contribute positively to society.

The rise of human-centred workplaces