With more and more of Generation Z reaching working age and entering the workplace, employers should be aware that these young employees differ in several ways from previous generations. Not only are they digital natives, they also have the most progressive views of any age group thus far. This has earned them a reputation as difficult. Nevertheless, they will soon become the largest workforce, and businesses should look into what to expect and how to appeal to these young workers. We give some tips on how to integrate Gen Z employees smoothly into your business.
What Are the Defining Features of Gen Z in the Workplace
- A high tech affinity
- A preference for modern communication approaches
- A progressive viewpoint
- An expectation to learn new skills
- A desire for flexibility
Use Their Tech Affinity to Your Advantage
New Software? No Problem
We hear from companies again and again that the most difficult thing when introducing a software tool is training their employees to use it. The change often leads to significant resistance from the workforce, leading to a lengthy transition period. Nevertheless, companies need to keep up to date to remain competitive, and in the world of staff scheduling, this usually means automating processes via a scheduling tool. As these young employees do not need much of an introduction when it comes to tech-based solutions, let alone apps, they will likely embrace such tools and become the expert at using them in no time.
An App for Everything
Members of Gen Z are digital natives, and their app use permeates every aspect of their lives. Offering them an app in which they can see their shifts, who they will be working with, and what the next possible jobs are, can give you a competitive advantage when vying for these young workers. Many of them are still in university or have other freelance jobs, so they will appreciate being able to organise their work day on-the-go and seeing available work without having to ask or wait for a call from their line manager. This not only reduces time spent on the phone with your employees, you can also count on Gen Z's tech affinity to influence your other workers, thereby bringing the entire organisation more up to date.
Offer Added Value
Teach Gen Z Valuable Employment Skills
Gen Z members expect to 'level up' when entering a job, not simply by being promoted, but rather by learning valuable skills which they might be able to use in their career. Being able to offer training - not only for the job at hand, but also for future positions - can be a perk which they might not get from other employers. Consider investing in training programmes or on-site training. This has the added advantage of strengthening these young staff members' identification with your business, and helps with retaining them as workers. This in turn leads to lower hiring costs in the long run.
Freedom And Flexibility
Gen Z workers are less likely to accept a strict work environment and expect work to fit around their daily lives rather than the other way around. Giving them more options regarding which shifts to take on, who they work with, and where to go for a job, can be a huge advantage here. This is a common feature of the gig economy, and Gen Z appreciates the freedom of this way of working more than any previous generation. If this sounds like too much admin work for you, a good staff scheduling software can offer these options without creating any overhead.
Adapt to Gen Z's Expectations
Change Your Communication Style
As mentioned above, Generation Z are very comfortable with the use of technology, and this also applies to their communication style. When it comes to staff scheduling, consider approaching them not via phone call and email, but with app notifications. As temporary workers, this generation is more than happy to be assigned shifts in an app without any personal interaction. Instead, keep messages and calls to the time after an assignment to ask them about their experience. These discussions, which are more personal and less organisational, will strengthen your relationship with these young employees.
Ensure Gen Z Feels Comfortable
Gen Z is not only a very tech-savvy generation, but research suggests that these young employees are the most progressive yet. They care deeply about social issues, such as diversity and gender equality. This means that they will not tolerate outdated views and policies on these topics, meaning that you might have to review your hiring policies or educate older employees. However, these young workers' views will likely help shape a more modern workplace, and as passionate advocates, involving them in your modernisation process can be beneficial for both sides.
The Verdict
As outlined above, hiring and working with Gen Z can be a challenge for employers who are not used to this generation's progressive views and tech affinity. Nevertheless, they will soon be the main workforce and companies need to engage with them in a way that makes them feel comfortable. By listening to these young staff members' concerns and actively using their skills to your advantage, you can bring your business forward and ensure that you remain competitive in the long run.
Have some questions on how to up your tech game?
Photo by Marvin Meyer on Unsplash
