As the decade comes to an end, the tides are turning and Millennials will no longer be the youngest generation within the workforce. So what is there to know about Generation Z as they emerge?
Generation Z — the generation born after 1995 and entering the workforce today — is unlike any other. As a generation born with immediate internet access and smartphones, they’re tech-savvy, of course, but there’s more: Gen Z is also deeply concerned with diversity, work-life balance and a bevy of different work-related issues other generations might not have cared as much about.
As an employer, it’s important to understand this generation to attract its top talent. So, here are a few facts you need to know before you interview, and one day hire, anyone from Generation Z.
1. They’re Tuned Into Tech
While millennials are fluent in tech, Gen Z takes tech knowledge to a whole new level — they can’t even remember a time without the internet or a smartphone. They also grew up alongside social media in its many forms. Because they’ve lived in a highly-connected world, they’re used to finding and digesting new information constantly, which can make them excellent multitaskers.
As an employer, it might be annoying to see them constantly plugged in, but remember — they can process information quickly in a way that non-digital natives can’t, so it’s not all bad.
2. They Care About Culture
While salary and benefits are important to Gen Z, what may be more important is whether they fit within a company’s culture. They want a pleasant, meaningful day-to-day experience — not just a livable wage and access to health insurance. They also want to know they’re making a difference: 60 percent say they want to have a positive impact on the world — and they’d like to have it through your company, if at all possible. So, to attract this generation, it’s crucial to show how your organization it contributing to something meaningful, and communicating that mission clearly on your company website and on your Glassdoor profile’s “Why Work With Us” section.
3. Diversity Is Normal to Them
For this generation, diversity is the rule, not the exception. In fact, Gen Z is incredibly diverse in itself: 48 percent of Gen Z-ers are non-Caucasian. They’re also more inclusive of LGBTQ people, with about one third identifying as non-heterosexual.
That’s good news for you: Highly inclusive organizations generate 1.4 times more revenue and are 120 percent more capable of meeting financial targets. You can appeal to, attract and even hire more of this diverse and inclusive generation by boosting your employer brand.
4. They Want Work-Life Balance
Thanks in part to technology, the lines between work and home blurred. In fact, by 2028, 73 percent of all teams are expected to have remote workers. So, it should come as no surprise that a traditional 9-to-5 job doesn’t appeal to Gen Z. Instead, they see flexible work as more normal — and they are attracted to workplaces in which they can have the option to work remotely often. If you can allow talented people to customize their schedules and work remotely, you’ll attract Gen Z’s attention
If you are a member of Generation Z, do these notes resonate with you? If so, reach out. IGNW is very focused on making a work environment that is suitable to all generations - including Gen Z. #MakeTheSwitch!