We Know About Generation X & Y - but Who is Generation Z?

The next workforce generations are coming soon to an office near you, if they aren't there already. Nearly 70 million Generation Y employees are embarking on their careers, entering the workforce for the first time. In prior articles, we identified what Gen Y likes and look for, but what about the group following closely on their heels? Have you ever heard of Generation Z?

Gen Z is generally defined roughly as those born after 1995. It is hard to think about kids who are just starting their teens, but they are coming and are a group that should be thought of. This group is the most "plugged-in" then any of those we've seen before. Think about it - these kids have never known life without a computer, internet, cell phones, and other technology that keeps us connected. They may sound like trouble, but given the right working environment you can harness the best traits and talents and let Gen Z lead your business into the future.

Generations of the past used to burn the candle at both ends to rise in rank. Gen X was thought to be the first wave of employees to push the envelope and seek changes to the old way of doing business. By comparison, the up and coming workforces places even less priority on their career and are instead searching for more flexibility and balance between work, family and personal time. Gen Y is even more outspoken and bolder (is that possible?). Gen Z is much like Gen Y, but multi-tasking is like breathing to this crowd making for very productive workers if you can keep them stimulated. Long projects with redundant single tasks are foreign and boredom in the workplace may cost you employees looking for a challenge. Also, Gen Z is expected to be the most environmentally-aware generation to enter the workforce. Companies that focus profit, without regard for the planet won't likely entice this group.

Don't expect Gens Y and Z to have the same approach as Gen Xers and Baby Boomers. Did you know that 40-50% of Gen Yers have seen a parent/family member work for one company only to be laid off? With acquisitions, mergers, and globalization, even more Gen Z workers may come to distrust corporations as a whole. These new generations are expected to change jobs/careers often as they seek self-fulfillment in the workplace. One of the biggest challenges facing companies today may be recruiting these next generations.

Although some larger corporations hold recruiting seminars at choice colleges, it won't be enough to simply show up. Companies of today and tomorrow will have to offer up appealing incentives to hook these workers. Bonuses such as time-off as reward, tuition reimbursement, and employee recognition are some ways to lure in these employees. Company slogans promoting self-expression are also catching the eye of these forward-thinkers because they don't want to be faceless drones. Retaining these employees will require companies to focus on making them feel valued. Remember, Gen Z is used to receiving constant feedback from parents, teachers and coaches while growing up and will expect the same from their bosses. The standard once-a-year performance evaluation won't do for these generations. They will be looking for more regular input from their supervisors in an effort to advance their careers.

The next generations may prove to be a challenge, but it is important to focus on what they have to offer. As businesses evolve to reflect the needs of the people and their consumers, it is these employees who are plugged in to the social climate around us. Changes to status quo will be necessary but the right work environment and these brilliant minds will flourish and take your business with them. Start thinking now about what you have to offer and embed it into your workplace today.