Just when Boomer and Gen X bosses thought they figured out the millennials, Gen Z is entering the workforce with a whole new set of needs and preferences. But there’s good news: Gen Z is probably more like Gen X in their ideals, which could make it easier for senior managers and business owners to relate to this cohort.
However, as the first generation of digital natives, the way this cohort works is unlike any generation prior. Understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and what makes them happy and comfortable can lead to a more engaged and productive workplace.
Whether you run a restaurant or a retail store — or even if you’re a service provider in your community — these tips can help you get ready for gen z in the workplace.
Provide Multiple Workplace Technology Options
Born between 1996 and 2010, Gen Z's are described as “the first digital natives.” Many of the youngest members of this cohort knew how to open and use mobile device apps before they played with dolls and blocks.
Workplace technology in the should be seamless, flexible, and functional for this generation to thrive. A recent survey by job website Monster.com revealed that 39% of Gen Z respondents called a smartphone “essential” to their jobs, and 23% expect texting to be necessary for work. Nearly 25% said that social networking will also be essential for their work.
Provide the fastest business internet connection possible to enable this cohort to be as productive as possible. Offer multiple communications options, from a Slack channel to videoconferencing. This generation is entrepreneurial, hard-working, and willing to be “always on” — as long as you provide the right workplace technology.
Provide Financial Stability
Millennials forced business owners and HR directors to jump the shark when it came to workplace perks. Top companies offered everything from basketball courts and rock-climbing walls to in-office massage therapy to attract millennial talent.
Gen Z, on the other hand, would prefer tangible financial rewards. In the Monster survey, 70% polled said “salary” is the most important consideration when choosing a job and health insurance is a “must-have.”
Ditch (or Modify) the Open Office Concept
Popular opinion classifies millennials as team players who want constant reassurance and validation from both peers and supervisors. The open office concept helped provide that sense of teamwork. Gen Z in the workplace, however, has personal boundaries more like Gen X and would prefer their own space for deep work.
Clearly delineate office spaces based on the purpose; think closed offices for deep work, video conferencing spaces for virtual meetings, and huddle rooms for small team meetings. Since Gen Z thrives on order and stability, it might be helpful to use meeting room software so that workers can reserve time in a specific area of the office.
Encourage Them to Embrace Their Entrepreneurial Spirit
Gen Z also differs from the millennial cohort in another important way: Gen Z tends to have an entrepreneurial spirit. This may seem to contrast with the pragmatic way they think about work and seek opportunities with decent salaries and good health care benefits. But for gen z in the workplace, the only constant is change. Pursuing side gigs or launching a business can help create financial stability by providing multiple sources of income.
Give Gen Z workers the opportunity to build their own brands within your organization; as they promote themselves, they will also be promoting your company. Also, give them work they can take ownership of to keep their talent within your organization for as long as possible.
Don’t Fear Gen Z in the Workplace
Gen Z often seems to work and communicate at a lightning-fast pace. Leverage this generation’s ability to analyze and assess information quickly, embrace the change, and drive that innovation within your company. You might be impressed by your newest employees’ capabilities.