Gen Z is the generation now entering the job market and, let us be honest, they look at work differently from the generations before them. But how do you deal with this generation and their talents, and how do you respond to that as a company?
What are the traits of Gen Z?
The generation born between 1997 and 2012 is what we call Gen Z. They are also known as the digital generation; they were, proverbially, born with a phone in their hand. It is also a generation that has already had its share of setbacks, growing up in a time of financial uncertainty and the coronavirus crisis.
Gen Z is open to diversity and stands up for the underdog. Hard work is held in high regard, but for this generation it does not come first. Gaining experience matters much more, as does personal development.
Why should you hire someone from Gen Z?
Gen Z brings plenty of skills a company can put to good use. Multitasking is the talent of this generation. Some say they lack concentration, but what they are really doing is filtering the mountains of information coming at them.
Like the generation before them, Gen Z is enterprising. Instead of a side job in a bar or restaurant, they set up a business of their own. They are excellent at finding everything they need online to get a successful start-up off the ground.
Gen Z is also realistic and focused on the things that make them happy. They are not led by how much money they can earn; they look at whether a particular job suits them. Unlike Millennials, Gen Z are not job hoppers but loyal employees.
And let us not forget how good Gen Z is with social media. They know exactly what does and does not work there, which makes them ideal social media managers or marketers. They are also used to appearing on social media in photos and videos, so put them to work creating content for your company.
Responding to the needs and talents of your people
Every company needs to respond to the needs and talents of all its people, not just those of Gen Z. But this generation needs more from you, both to come and work for you and to stay. A standard nine-to-five does not make a Gen Z employee happy; let them set their own hours and give them room to arrange their working days themselves. That freedom is what keeps them with you.
