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Getting Ready to Manage Generation Z
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July 08, 2008
We know about Gen X & Y – but who is Generation Z?
(Is it too soon to consider them as a workforce?)
Coming soon to an office near you… (If they aren’t there already). Nearly 70 million Generation Y employees are embarking on their careers, entering the workforce for the first time. In prior articles, we identified what Gen Y likes and look for, but what about the group following closely on their heels? Have you ever heard of Generation Z?
Gen Z is defined roughly as those born after 1995. It is hard to think about kids just starting their teens, but they are next workforce-in-training and should be thought of. Gen Z is the most “plugged-in” then any we’ve seen before. Think about it – these kids have never known life without a computer, internet, cell phones, and other technology that keeps us connected. Sound like trouble? Given the right working environment you can harness the best traits and talents to let Gen Z lead your business into the future. You have a few years to think about it….
Gen X was thought to be the first wave of employees to push the envelope and change the way business is done. Gen Y is even more outspoken and bolder (is that possible?). Up-and-coming workforces place even less priority on their career in search of more flexibility and balance between work, family and personal time. Gen Z is similar to Gen Y, but multi-tasking is like breathing to this crowd making for very productive workers (if you can keep them motivated). Long projects with redundant, single tasks are foreign and boredom in the workplace may cost you employees who want a challenge. Gen Z is expected to be the most environmentally-aware generation to enter the workforce. Companies that focus profit, without regard for the planet won’t likely entice this group.
Don’t expect Gens Y and Z to have the same approach as Gen Xers and Baby Boomers. Generations of the past used to burn the candle at both ends to rise in rank. Did you know that 40-50% of Gen Yers have seen a parent/family member work for one company only to be laid off? With acquisitions, mergers, and globalization, even more Gen Z workers may distrust corporations as a whole. These new generations are expected to change jobs/careers often as they seek self-fulfillment in the workplace.
One of the biggest challenges facing companies today may be recruiting these next generations. Although some larger corporations hold recruiting seminars at choice colleges, it won’t be enough to simply show up. Companies will have to offer appealing incentives to snag these workers. Rewards such as time-off, tuition reimbursement, and employee recognition are some ways to lure in these employees. Company slogans promoting self-expression are also enticing to these forward-thinkers because they don’t want to be faceless drones. Retaining Gen Z employees will require companies to focus on employee value. Remember, Gen Z is receiving constant feedback from parents, teachers, and coaches while growing up and will expect the same from their bosses. The standard once-a-year performance evaluation won’t do for these generations. They will be looking for more frequent input from their supervisors in an effort to advance their careers.
The next generations may prove to be a challenge, but it is important to focus on what they have to offer. As businesses evolve to reflect the needs of the people and their consumers, it is these employees who are plugged in to the social climate around us. Changing status quo will be necessary, but the right work environment and these brilliant minds will flourish and take your business with them. Start thinking now about what you have to offer and embed it into your workplace today.
