Under 30 years old. What can they bring to the table in the workplace, we might say? A lot.
They are Generation Z. And all indications conclude that this generation is becoming a powerful force in personal responsibility, self-care, mobility and innovation. They’re young, intelligent, fiscally conservative and have a bunch of fun nicknames – Gen Connected, Screenagers, iGen, Digital Integrators, The Zeds, Dot Com Kids. My wife, Roseanne, and I call our Gen Z kids, Sophia and Madison. Our twins are beginning their careers each in an area where we (and they) believe will make a positive impact in the world – hospitality and culinary. Why? Because both areas bring people together, in person, in a beautiful way. If we own a business or supervise others and must hire, I recommend employing one of the 2.5 billion Zedders born between 1995 and 2005. Here’s my reasoning… Social. As of now, Gen Zedders spend 8-10 hours a day socializing with friends and family. Move that mindset into the workplace and envision how productive they can be in the areas where people, products and services come together. Wait, isn’t that every workplace? Coach them properly on service excellence and drop them into front-of-the-house positions to attract and retain a wider range of consumers and clients. Entrepreneurship. According to People Guru, over 70% of Z’s want to start their own business. I believe this also means they will view a workplace as if it was their own. They will work hard to learn, serve and deliver. Naturally they will ask questions, try new options, solve problems and work in teams. What comes of this? Improved business environment, service excellence and superior products. Philanthropy. iGens want to do good. And they want their businesses to follow suit. People Guru tells us that over 90% say an organization’s impact on society affects their decision to work there. I’ve learned that once there, keeping them happy and engaged can be done if employers understand them. My number one recommendation in retaining employees of any age is this – ask them! And then deliver on their requests. Here are some hints on what attracts the iGens from the HR Exchange Network – unique career advancement opportunities, innovation opportunities, group work, remote work and a flexible schedule. Hyperconnected. Nearly 75% of these Zoomers are connected within an hour of waking up and, according to Paradigm Sports, they are exposed to more information in ONE day, than GenX or Boomers would see in an entire lifetime. Their natural leadership style is collaboration and contribution. Employers be aware - they will look for mentors in this space, replacing the old guard of command, control and competition from their peers and bosses. Less Focused. Dot Com Kid’s attention span is 8 seconds. Yes, it is the same attention span as a goldfish, but here’s why this is a good thing: in less than 8 seconds people develop a first impression; they decide whether to stop or keep reading past the headline of our article/advertisement/story. Now let’s take that to the workplace. If we don’t get our audience’s attention we can’t… develop a relationship, sell a product, fix a problem, hear our employee concerns, deliver impactful messaging, educate or build awareness. Let these Dot Commers be our guide. And here’s a nice bonus… Nearly 90% are extremely close to their parents, says Paradigm Sports. Aww 😊 Here are a few things that mom and pop understand about their kids – and what we should grasp about these Post-Millennials:
Go get ‘em! They’re here and about ready to pass the Millennials in the numbers joining the workforce. The Z crowd is shifting the future of business. I believe with them on our team, our business will thrive in making our vision a reality. Now, imagine these industries – and consider who you’d want as a signature member of your team, an old-schooler or the fresh eyes of a Gen Z? Hospitality. Sales. Culinary. Digital Marketing. Technology. Design. Communications. Environment. Entertainment. You know my vote. Yours, Blaise P.S. If you like this one… you may enjoy “Hire Them. They’re Over 50.” Visit me and say hello! www.fivelevelsconsulting.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaisetracy/
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