Is your business Gen Z ready?

Are you Generation Z ready? 

The next generation are starting to enter the workplace. Born after 1996 to the early 2010’s, this generation comes after Millennials. Currently aged between mid-teens and 25 years, a recent Deloitte paper stated that more than one third of the world's populous will be Gen Z.

Digital

This may seem obvious, but if your company is not utilising social media channels, you’re not reaching this generation, especially because 45% of Gen Z are continually online and over 68% having owned a smart phone by aged 13. This generation has never known a time before social media and the [mobile] internet. Social media is how this group finds out about a company; their values and ethics, how they work, reviews etc, as well as job roles too. Are you giving off the right impression on social media? 

Diverse

This generation is supposed to be the largest and most diverse yet, and also the generation most likely to have members that identify as non-binary. Companies need to show that they represent everyone via their workforces, that there is equality and across all media. When it comes to joining a business Diversity and Inclusion (D & I) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rank high on priorities; 66% would take a pay cut to work for a more socially responsible company.

Flexibility

Flexible hours and benefits are important to Gen Z with 38% saying work life balance is a top priority. Between this and the Covid 19 pandemic showing that working from home is possible, learning that the traditional 9-5 work hours, 5 days a week, aren’t necessarily the only way to work and embracing freelancing with other flexible work methods.

Communication

60% of this generation welcome weekly feedback and check ins from their Work Manager. They like to know how they’re doing at work and feel that they’re not alone, especially if remote working. They are happy to have video calls and online meetings; enabling human contact remotely. This also keeps communication channels open with employees feeling like they can ask questions, for help and being able to discuss work openly. Also helping in attracting and retaining talent. This worry is shared by businesses because this generation is happy to move around companies more frequently for better roles, company values and benefits.

Development

The generation are focused on learning and personal development and this needs to be shown in job roles. They will also be the most tech savvy comfortable with changing technologies, media and online channels, they are quick to learn and comfortable with multi-tasking. This workforce is likely to start their careers early and learn alongside in the hope of keeping educational debt low, therefore being able to facilitate this and have learning and development programs ‘in house’ will be a major attraction when recruiting. 

With the biggest generation yet about to enter the workplace, making sure your business and work force is ready to attract and retain this large talent field is imperative for all future growth and an interesting learning journey ahead!

References:

Allegis Group-Employers it’s time to grow up: Engaging the Millennial and Gen Z workforce

Forbes-How Generation Z will revolutionize the workforce

Keephub-Gen Z at work