Each generation of workforce is typified by world and societal changes as well as advances in technology, leading to adjustments of expectations by employers seeking to round out their business teams. As far back as we have been tracking such things (think Baby Boomers), a new generation brings with it a new set of issues as well as benefits. The latest generation to be entering the workforce is Gen Z, also known as Centennials or iGeneration. What can employers look forward to when staffing from this generation?
What is Generation Z?
To begin with, they were born roughly between the mid-1990s and the mid-2000s. Formative years for this generation have been spent post 9-11, during the “Great Recession” and with overall global uncertainty, such as climate instability and political unrest. They are the children of Generation X, and currently make up 22 percent of the American Population-nearly outnumbering both Millennials and Baby Boomers, so recruiters and hiring managers are paying close attention in order to place them appropriately in the labor force.
What does Generation Z want?
Radically different from Millennials, having grown up in more financially trying times, you would think Gen Z would be pragmatic, risk-averse, non-entrepreneurial group motivated by job security. The truth is, according to international professional services network, Deloitte, “Generation Z values salary less than every other generation: If given the choice of accepting a better-paying but boring job versus work that was more interesting but didn’t pay as well, Gen Z was fairly evenly split over the choice.”
How do we attract Generation Z?
The most attractive companies and businesses for this generation continue to prove themselves to be good global citizens. This includes demonstrable efforts to highlight commitment to a range of societal challenges such as sustainability, climate change, and hunger. Gen Z also closely identifies with Ally-ship and seeks out work opportunities that allows them to support this by applying to companies that are openly supportive of equality and diversity for all-whether by ethnicity, race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.
Additionally, “Employers should offer opportunities to work on multiple projects at the same time; provide work-life balance; allow them to be self-directed and independent, “according to an article posted by Perdue University.
What does Generation Z bring to the table?
This is the generation that has grown up with technology and are the most comfortable with its ever-changing nature to date. They are extremely tech savvy and can function as well remotely as in office. This has become a real selling point in a world that is still grappling with the Covid pandemic. It’s also important to mention that technology will continue to reinvent itself and Gen Z’ers are going to be the ones easing those transitions for the other generations.
Moreover, Generation Z’s commitment to change and meaningful contributions to it also provides an overall optimism to these youngsters that is reenergizing for the working community. More important to them than money, they want to feel fulfilled, and they want to contribute…in the end, everyone wins by including Generation Z into the parameters of their staffing searches.
