Much like generations that have come before them, Gen Z is paving their way into the world as they start to come of age and enter the workforce. Simultaneously, Millenial bashing has been a favourite trope over the years, more so from the boomers who came before for destroying everything from the global diamond market and the rental boom to an unhealthy reliance n avocados and takeaway coffee. The mantle for this generational banter has been passed, and Gen Z is entering the arena strong and full of confidence. But have you ever posed the question, does your business need Gen Z employees?
But is their confidence misplaced owing to their naivety in how the world works around them?
While they may be unexperienced in what we like to call real life, there has never been a generation so reliant on the digital world as Gen Z. Millenials are blessed with a childhood that blended analogue and digital worlds and the emergence of technologies and the internet was in its infancy. As such, Gen Z has benefitted from an abundance of information at their fingertips and have been able to digest the world around them without actually having to step foot in it.
Another consequence of growing up in the digital era is that now more than ever, they are aware of what they perceive to be right and wrong and are using their collective voice to protect themselves and raise awareness of issues that are close to their hearts. This gives them a unique perspective and compassion that could be perceived as missing in older generations who were somewhat shielded from the world’s ways until they were much older.
How Old Are Generation Z?
Generation Z is currently between the ages of 6 and 24. This means anyone born between 1997 and 2015 are grouped under this category. By comparison, Millenials are between 25 and 39/40. Gen X, oft thought of as the forgotten generation and boost qualities of both millennials and boomers, were born between 1965 and 1980, and Boomers preceded them.
Why Your Business Needs Gen Z Employees
From a passionate standpoint alone, Gen Z is willing to wear their hearts on their sleeves in all areas of their lives. As such, should they be a good fit for your company, you can expect them to approach their work as they approach their social media account and TikTok videos. With gumption and enthusiasm and applying this to your company can be a huge bonus a deciding factor in why your small business needs Gen Z employees.
Removing their reputation for being lazy, the youngest generation to reach the workforce have substantially different values than their elders and, as such, will choose to apply for jobs with employers who they can trust to uphold their values and operate in a way that they feel comfortable with.
From a skillset point of view. As business moves into a more digital era, you need staff who can easily work with new changes and adapt to the new working environment with ease. Gen Z has its finger on the pulse when it comes to what is hot and navigating the online world. This is a big reason when it comes to deciding if your business needs Gen Z employees.
As such, you can fully rely on them to adapt their working abilities to accommodate changes fairly easily.
Unlike their Gen X/Y predecessors, they crave human interaction, which can be a massive boost for your company when it comes to facilitating a good rapport in the office or developing client relations. While they may be adapted to technological advances, they also can bring a human element that doesn’t scream introvert with ease and compassion.
Looking at emerging in a new market or trying new methods or products in your company? Gen Z is 100% your go-to for this. Surveys have shown that the workforce’s younger contingent thrives on helpful and constructive feedback and can also build on failures and experiential practices to develop their skills and knowledge further. This can be invaluable as you make new decisions and charter previously untread waters in your sector.
Lastly, what they make up for inexperience, they make up for in creativity. The viewpoints they can bring to your company and the ability to adapt to what you offer to cater to the younger generation can open up a whole new market for you. You look to reach the youth on their level, not to understand appreciated.
All in all, Gen Z’s skillset are unique but hugely beneficial in areas of the workforce. What you have in knowledge and experience can greatly benefit newcomers to your industry as they help you look at things from a different viewpoint and bring what you do to a whole new audience and customer base. If you are looking at upping the stakes, then you need to look into where your small business needs Gen Z employees to fully take advantage of what they have to offer.