The revered “startup culture” is attracting more and more potential employees, specifically freshers, to gravitate towards working for startup companies rather than the big, vicious corporates that they’ve been warned suck the soul out of the most passionate employees. This is great news for startups who have the opportunity to harness the freshest talents, but it is also important to live up to the expectations of their new recruits. Nobody wants them to lose faith in the next big thing so swiftly. 

Here are some expectations that potential new recruits have when they consider working for startups that we should not just acknowledge but be cognizant of and act on:

Consistent and meaningful communication

The goal is to move away from confusing and long chains of command where a lot of instructions, expectations and deliverables get lost in the digital abyss. Keeping up with your co-workers and potential recruits in a consistent and clear manner is a must.

Recognition and acknowledgement for work well done

A reason why the new generation of freshers is avoiding typical corporate life is because they know their worth more than any generation that has come before and they are even better at setting their work boundaries. And so, it is important to provide them with that praise and acknowledge their work.

Mentorship with the potential of growth

Gone are the days when working under a respected senior member would account for as much job satisfaction to go on in the same role for years and years. With job switching becoming more and more accepted, Gen Z freshers expect their mentors to be knowledgeable, insightful, but to also allow the room to grow and give them the opportunity to move ahead when the time comes. 

Healthy work culture and space to fail

A work culture of the modern, post-pandemic era should be a space that respects workplace boundaries. Is constructed around ideals of inclusivity, representation and integrity. Where hard work is appreciated, while also allowing for the space to fail and learn together. 

Strong leadership and a clear goal

When joining a startup, you expect passion and drive. But that does not compensate for the lack of a strong, clear-minded, go-getter leader who believes in the company and their employees and has the vision and goals to carry the company forward. 

Freedom to explore within the role

Nobody likes to be micromanaged, especially not a fresher in a role where they’ve been promised there is potential to explore and grow. An efficient, supportive team leader who leads by example but also encourages you to try your hand at various ways of doing things and learn from new experiences is key. 

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Employee expectations are vast and diverse, it is as important to manage their expectations as it is to live up to them. Trust and transparency and huge contributing factors to creating that positive work culture that startups are associated with. Don’t be afraid to express your expectations, but also be willing to learn from and adapt to life in the workplace.