Most Millennials are now in their early and mid-thirties, and Generation Z is starting to enter the workforce. Generation Zers are anyone born after 1997 and
Gen Z “has remarkably different views on themselves, society, products and services than any past generation, including the close-in-age millennials,” says Jaclyn Suzuki, Innovation, Insights & Strategy Consultant at MADO, a boutique consulting firm.
How will this impact your EHS programs? Here are some important ways to prepare your company to work well with the talented Generation Zers entering the workforce:
1. Maintain transparency. You must be clear on your organizational values and what you stand for. Gen Zers want to work for companies that are making a positive difference in the world. This generation will quickly recognize businesses that are dishonest or insensitive.
2. Encourage work-life balance. Gen Zers value working for companies with flexibility. If you haven’t already incorporated flexible hours and/or locations into your business, consider rethinking your strategy. You’re much more likely to attract intelligent and creative Gen Zers when you offer these types of benefits that allow them to balance their work life.
3. Challenge your Generation Z employees. Gen Zers will appreciate it when you give them the autonomy to create plans to solve complex organizational issues. Challenge them to work beyond the current systems in your business. Encourage them to use critical thinking and speak up in the workplace.
4. Allow them to challenge you. Gen Z has more access to media and information than previous generations and won’t hesitate to dig deeper into an issue. Be prepared to answer more questions that provide insight into the way things are being done in your organization. Gen Zers look for ways to make things more efficient and won’t be afraid to question a business program or system when they feel as though they can devise a better, more efficient way of doing it. Don’t simply “tell” Gen Zers that this is the way it is, but keep open communication and answer all of their questions thoughtfully.
With the entrance of Generation Z into the workforce, things may look quite a bit different than what you were accustomed to in the past. If you aren’t open to adapting your company to the youngest generation, you risk a lack of growth in your business.
Adapted from:
Generation Z: Latest Characteristics, Research, and Facts. Business Insider.
Generation Z… They’re Here! Drena Howard, NAEM.org.