What Does Generation Z Mean for the Workforce?

A definition is in order: Generation Z are the children of Generation X parents and started being born in the late 1990s. That means the first members of this generation are already in college and will soon be entering the workforce. You’re probably still adapting to the influx of millennials (now the biggest part of the labor force), but it’s never too early to start looking at the next wave of professionals. Trends are still emerging, but here are a few broad predictions about what Generation Z will mean for the workforce.

Retention Will Become a Priority

Much has been made about millennial’s job-hopping proclivities. By all accounts, that will only accelerate with the entrance of Generation Z. Members of this generation will expect to move between jobs every few years or sooner, meaning that companies will have to make retention an urgent priority if they want to hang onto promising talent.

Millennials Move Into Management

At the same time that Generation Z begins to stream into the workforce, many millennials will be moving into their first or second management position. That could prove to be a source of friction as first-time managers attempt to meet the needs of a new and needy workforce. Companies will need to prioritize management training, and give lots of thought to the cultural differences between these two generations.

The Office Goes Virtual

Generation Z has spent much of their lives in virtual environments, from social networks, to video games, to online classrooms. They feel very comfortable in these digital spaces and will expect to find equivalents once they arrive at the office. Expect training and communication to increasingly happen virtually, and for technology to play an even bigger role in the overall function of the office.

Today’s Traits Amplified

Many of the traits exhibited by millennials will be shared by Generation Z, but to an even greater degree. For instance, this generation will likely crave praise and positive affirmations, and want to receive explicit credit for the work they do. They will also prize freedom and flexibility and look for opportunities to work outside the office. One difference, however, is that Generation Z appears to be more career oriented. Having seen the effects of the Great Recession, this generation is eager for financial stability and committed to putting in the work to grow professionally. Companies will need to calibrate their salary and benefits packages to better reflect these desires.

Expect to meet with your first Generation Z candidate in just a few years time. Until then, find the talent you need exactly when you need it by working with INSPYR Solutions.