Bridging the divide: How HR policy framing shapes Gen Z attitudes toward workplace gender equality

Huaying Fang ,Velan Kunjuraman

doi:10.18282/hrms4621

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Bridging the divide: How HR policy framing shapes Gen Z attitudes toward workplace gender equality

Huaying Fang

Velan Kunjuraman

Human Resources Management and Services 2025, 7(3), 4621; https://doi.org/10.18282/hrms4621

Submitted：20 Jun 2025

Accepted：16 Sept 2025

Published：11 Oct 2025

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Abstract

This study examines how the framing of organizational gender-equity policies shapes support among Generation Z employees. Drawing on performativity (Butler, 1990) and intersectionality (Crenshaw, 1991), we conceptualize framing as mediating how Gen Z employees perceive equity initiatives. Using a mixed-methods design, we combine survey data from 4,861 Gen Z respondents in 30 countries with directed content analysis of four HR policy documents (coded for equity vs enforcement, identity recognition, and youth engagement). Results reveal a gender gap: Gen Z women strongly endorse inclusive equity measures, consistent with evidence that women show stronger support for equality policies, whereas Gen Z men are more skeptical of policies framed as exclusive or punitive – mirroring polls finding many Gen Z men say equality efforts have gone too far. These findings suggest that performative policy framing activates social identities differently by gender and that intersectional policy language affects reception. Practically, we recommend framing equity initiatives in terms of shared fairness and collective benefit, using transparent rationale and inclusive identity language. Gen Zers expect fair pay, inclusive policies, and transparency, so HR communications should emphasize fairness and allyship to enhance legitimacy and support among this cohort.

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References

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