Generation Z workers are the newest age group in the business world. Born between 1997 and 2012, this generation of workers radically differs from the millennials and the generation who have been in the workforce longer than they have. Many employers see this radicality as a blessing and a gust of fresh air, so there is a scuffle to secure the most talented Gen Z hires across every sector in the business industry.

Unlike the previous generations, the new cohorts of generation Z job seekers have different expectations and preferences when joining a company. However, because these young talents are… Well, extremely talented, it is often great to have their fresh eyes and young motivation on board any business. So how exactly do you ensure that you attract generation Z talents and make them interested in joining your company?

In our guide below, we have highlighted everything you need to know about attracting and working with Gen Z employees.

A New Generation Has Reared Its Head In Business

For so long, the business industry has been dominated by Generation X and millennial employees, terms used to describe people born between 1965-1980 and 1981-1996, respectively. However, various sectors in the business industry have recently enjoyed an influx of the newest generation of workers, generation Z employees.

Gen Z workers are easily the largest generation of workers there is today. Succeeding and now overshadowing millennials, there are more than 2 billion (even reportedly exceeding a staggering 2.56 billion counts) gen Z-ers today. In the U.S. alone, there will be more than 68.6 million Gen Zs in 2023. Although this generation of people is only just leaving college to pursue their professional careers, they are already making an impact in the business industry.

The Gen Z generation is blessed to be in a generation where technology has advanced. They are blessed with gadgets and are savvy with technological solutions, a feat not many people in the older generation can boast of. However, this is not the only thing the newest generation is blessed with.

Generation Z is fully digital. They have enjoyed exposure from a young age, a benefit that has given them an advantage over other generations. This generation of people is fully motivated and intends to leave their mark in whatever business they pursue, regardless of the sector. This is unsurprising, especially because they have the gadgets, gizmos, and tools to realize these dreams. This, among many other factors, makes Gen Z workers some of the best workers the business industry has ever seen.

Why Gen Z-ers Are Good Employees

There are great workers from every generation. However, Gen Z workers have made a reputation for themselves in business. It is easy to refer to this generation of workers as the future of work because they broadly define the growth of every workplace. 

But what exactly makes this generation of workers stand out?

Gen Z employees are very different from their predecessors, the millennials. Known as the ‘digital kids’, being tech savvy is not the only thing Gen Z workers are good at. Some traits of Gen Z employees in the workplace include:

1. Prefering Tradition Means Of Communication

While Gen Z workers may be known as the kids who grew up with social media, they prefer more traditional communication methods at work. Admittedly, you may always catch a Gen Z on their phone, but at work, they prefer all forms of communication to be in-person and face-to-face. These quick, in-person conversations and check-ins allow regular and genuine feedback from the young workers.

Gen Z workers also often prefer to use straightforward and crisp emails to communicate at work. These email messages are usually informal and make expectations of the communication clear. Additionally, instead of just texts, Gen Z workers also prefer to use graphics and short video content attached to emails to buttress communication. This especially serves as a means of engaging young workers.

Contrary to popular opinion, Gen Z employees do not use digital means as the primary methods of communication. They prefer to balance digital and in-person communication at work as this is what they consider the best means of communication. In fact, Gen Z-ers are changing the way people communicate within and outside corporate offices.

2. Independence While Working 

One characteristic that many Gen Z-ers share is being independent and comfortable about their ability to be. One may blame their independence on Gen X-ers, their parents who raised them to be. As a result, many Gen Z-ers need less positive reinforcement than millennials and are more likely to perform well on their own.

Additionally, the exposure this young generation enjoys in school and on the internet makes them extremely independent. They are confident in their ability to learn and use what they learn, thereby preferring to figure things out independently. 

Gen Z people take this independent trait into the workplace with them. They are competitive and will generally like to work alone. However, this does not mean they do not excel in teamwork when necessary. Gen Z employees may desire to work individually but they showcase their skills and capabilities when placed in group settings and team environments. 

3. Mobile Lifestyle

Gen Z employees grew up exposed to technology, which makes it unsurprising that they prefer a technology-first approach. They may prefer traditional means of communication but they still rely heavily on using technology to execute tasks and fulfil obligations. This makes them more productive and efficient at work. 

Gen Z’s are true digital natives and use digital devices as an indispensable work aid. In fact, they are so used to utilizing these devices and the internet that research showed that about 92% of Gen Z have a digital footprint.

This young generation of workers can easily integrate numerous platforms and technology into their job roles. They have an easier and faster time learning to use new software than the older generations do. As a result, they are more instinctual with digital technology and have no problem optimizing these technological solutions.

4. More Interested In Stability

Gen Z-ers may have grown when technology reached new milestones, but they were also around in an era of serious recession and inflation. As a result, they are more risk-averse than millennials and crave the stability of a good job. This is a direct opposite of millennials, who are not moved by the concept of a predictable job but by a job that offers an impressive salary.

However, this does not mean that Gen Z workers are not interested in high-paying jobs. Generation Z workers were hit harder than millennials by unemployment, which is why they prefer the stability and security of a job and the compensation that comes with that job. If this job happens to be high-paying, then so be it. However, Gen Z employees are less likely to change jobs as often as millennials do.

Regardless, Gen Z workers harbor several values about the jobs they work at. While they crave stability, they also choose jobs that serve their physical, mental, and financial needs. If Gen Z workers find out that a job no longer serves these purposes or values, they will quit.

5. Competitiveness

As previously mentioned, Gen Z workers thrive in their individuality. As a result, they have a pronounced competitive nature where they prefer to be judged on the merits of their work and not by the performance of their team.

The young generation of Gen Z workers are competitive, more competitive than they are collaborative. This might be a problem when not controlled in businesses that require teamwork. However, it is important to note that this competitive trait that Gen Z employees share makes them productive workers who are always eager to prove their abilities. 

When this trait is harnessed in a healthy way, it can be a win-win for both the Gen Z worker and the business. To promote a healthy workplace competition, promote an inclusive workplace that prioritizes corporate safety. More importantly, offer employees recognition for every milestone they reach as this is a ticket to motivating them to work extra hard at fulfilling their duties at work.

How To Attract Generation Z Employees

From the traits of Gen Z workers listed above, it is easy to see that this generation of young employees is radically different from millennials. They contribute to the growth of a business and offer fresh perspectives on how the business sector and the industry they work in is evolving. 

However, it is important to note that Gen Z workers thoroughly evaluate job openings before applying to these jobs. When offered a job, they look out for features such as a good work-life balance, an inclusive environment, a diverse pool of employees, good work culture, and corporate psychological safety. Gen Z workers are passionate about making a difference in the business world and will only choose establishments whose values align with that.

So how do you attract Gen Z talents to your establishment?

As an employer looking to harness the business-driven passion that every Gen Z worker has, it is essential to tailor your recruitment strategy to make your establishment attractive to these young and talented individuals. Some ways you can do this includes:

1. Provide Development Opportunities For Their Career

As previously stated, Gen Z workers prefer the stability and security that comes with jobs. Although they also consider if the pay offered is a competitive salary, it is a lower priority, and they are more likely to choose a job that offers more security than a high-paying one that offers less security. 

One form of job security that Gen Z employees look out for is career development.

Like any other employee in other generations, Gen Z workers want to advance in their careers. They constantly seek out jobs that offer learning and development opportunities. When they find this organization, they often remain loyal.

As an employer who wants to recruit Gen Z talents, you must demonstrate that you believe your young workers are an investment. You should show the Gen Z workers that you are interested in investing in them through continuous training and development seminars. 

You should also show them that you will offer numerous career growth opportunities so they will enjoy personal and professional development over time.

Doing this will not only attract Gen Z applicants but will also ensure that the hired candidates remain loyal to the organization.

2. Promote Inclusivity

Inclusive work cultures are quickly becoming the order of the business world. Many companies are shifting from their strictly hierarchical form of leadership in the company and encouraging an inclusive environment.

An inclusive environment is a workplace culture that is free of bias. This type of workplace environment values and appreciates all workers, regardless of their background, experience, or differences.

Inclusivity is shown through ways such as equal access to company resources and equal support from leaders. In this type of environment, workers feel welcome and comfortable. They can make mistakes without feeling judged or without being scared that they will be punished. 

Inclusivity promotes creativity and innovation, which makes it the perfect environment for Gen Z workers. This young generation of workers enjoys organizations that welcome diversity and equity, two important features of an inclusive organization.

When trying to adopt Gen Z employees, you should ensure that you establish and promote an inclusive work environment. This will set you apart from other competitive offers that they may be considering.

3. Promote Diversity

Generation Z employee is more likely to work with your organization if they feel accepted and welcome. Other than inclusivity, one way to help Gen Z employees feel valued is to show them that you have a diverse workforce.

A diverse workforce is one that does not follow the homogeneous pattern that is typical in many organizations. Diversity in an office means all employees come from different races, demographics, age groups, religions, and cultures and feel welcomed regardless.

This workplace is free of bias or judgment and encourages all employees to be their unique selves. The young worker can thrive with employees coming from all walks of life and armed with different experiences, opinions, beliefs, and ideas.\

4. Emphasize Efficient Time Management

Gen Z workers prioritize a healthy work-life balance. They prioritize the importance of taking a step back from professional obligations to wind down and recoup.

Unlike the millennials, Gen Z workers are stricter with matters that concern their personal time. They draw a clear line and thus pay more attention to time management. 

When attracting Gen Z employees, offer numerous time management strategies to help them make the most of their work and personal life. You can choose to do this by planning the employee hours ahead to optimize time. 

You can also choose to be creative and ask them to plan their own schedule. Regardless of the strategy you choose to adopt, remember time flexibility is paramount.

Also, time management will help your Gen Z worker properly manage or reduce burnout, remain motivated, and remain productive at work. It will also work wonders in reducing employee churn rate and help you retain your Gen Z workers.

5. Prioritize Well-being

Making well-being a priority for Gen Z workers does not mean guaranteeing physical safety at work- although that is also important, according to the OSH Act. Prioritizing well-being also means prioritizing mental health and issues.

More than ever, Gen Z workers are paying attention to how businesses deal with their employees’ mental health. This might have been made more urgent by the Covid-!9 pandemic restrictions, where employees had time and reasons to muse over the importance of total well-being.

Gen Z employees worry about mental stress as they know this is inevitable in any job. However, they also want a job that prioritizes their mental health and not their ability to perform under mental strain.

When recruiting Gen Z employees, it is best to demonstrate that your establishment cares about the well-being of all staff. Show them that you care about their happiness. You can also choose to integrate an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which is a confidential service where overwhelmed employees can receive help and counsel.

6. Invest In The Latest Technology

When trying to attract Gen Z employees, it is important to remember that this generation of workers are digitalized. To make your establishment look more attractive, you should consider investing in the latest technology in your industry.

Gen Z workers naturally gravitate towards the latest software programs and applications, especially if they make work more fun and seamless. This makes it difficult for them to settle for establishments that prefer to use traditional means of business operation. 

Hence, most Gen Z workers will choose an office that provides the latest tools that they need to get their jobs done.

Invest in laptops, necessary software, and cloud technology. These are primary needs in a modern office. It is equally important to invest in specialized software for your employees’ roles to help them work efficiently. Provide an environment where employees can learn how to use Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and other handy solutions as they have become commonplace in many organizations that recruit Gen Z-ers.

Getting Gen Z Employees Onboard

Generation Z is filled with talented individuals who are quickly joining the business world. However, unlike millennials, Generation Z workers know what they want from their jobs and can be picky with who they want to work with.

Attracting Gen Z applicants requires work. However, by employing our guide, getting young job seekers interested in working with you will become easier than ever! Who knows? Maybe hiring Gen Z workers in your establishment will be the key ingredient for breaking the generational divide at work.  

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