Preparing for Generation Z in the Workforce
In 2015, millennials officially became the largest age group in the workforce. Now that you’re starting to get used to them, it’s time to introduce the next crop of young workers — Generation Z. The exact birth year where the millennial generation stops and Generation Z begins is up for debate, but falls somewhere between 1995 to 1997. Those born in 1995 are currently entering their senior year of college, meaning it’s only a matter of months until they’re part of the workforce.
Just as you learned millennials need to be managed differently than baby boomers and Generation X, you’ll also need to adjust accordingly for Generation Z. These fresh-faced young adults hold the key to the future, so it’s important to get them on your team. Much more realistic and levelheaded than their millennial elders, these sensible youths already know what they want in a future employer, making it easy to start preparing for their arrival.
Tech Savvy
Generation Z practically grew up with an iPhone in their hands. They view companies that don’t value tech as archaic and have no desire to work for them. If your organization is still using the same software you were 10 years ago and barely — if at all — has a social media presence, you won’t be adding members of this group to your roster until you complete a major tech overhaul.
Strong Company Brand
Branding is hugely important to Generation Z. These young people work hard to build and maintain their own personal brand, so they expect your organization to do the same. They don’t want to join a company whose mission, values and purpose are unclear, because working for a company whose brand aligns with their own is of the utmost importance.
Socially Conscious
They’re young, but Generation Z is completely aware of pertinent global issues — such as climate change — and they want to work for a company doing its part to make the world a better place. A 2015 survey conducted by Nielsen revealed 72 percent of this socially conscious group is willing to pay higher prices for products and services from companies doing good for their communities and the world.
Job Security
Although they still haven’t graduated from college, Generation Z is already concerned about finding work. Much more realistic than millennials, this group was at an impressionable age during the 2008 financial crisis, causing many to see their parents struggle through the aftermath. Consequently, they place a high value on the steady paycheck that comes from job security.
Casual Work Environment
Companies with a professional dress code, boring work environment and a rigid business structure are not compelling to the free-spirited, independent thinkers of Generation Z. If you try to make them wear a tie to work or micromanage their every move, they won’t be on your employment roster very long.
Start preparing for Generation Z now to ensure you’re ready for them when they graduate from college. To learn more about how we can help you find top behavioral health talent, contact us today at (513) 651-9500 or by email at [email protected].