As they graduate from their studies, it is predicted that Generation Z will make up 20 per cent of the global workforce. It is time for HR to seriously consider this cohort of workers as they start looking for employment.
The
2015 Future Leaders Index by Co-Op in partnership with BDO shows that Gen Z will bring four unique qualities to any workplace.
Natives of a digital world
Gen Z is the first generation who, as teenagers, did not live in a world with slow or non-existent internet access.
As a result, this demographic is used to interacting online and are unafraid to consume or share content through the internet.
The ability to easily adapt to using and implementing new technology will be of a tremendous boon to any corporate workforce.
Pragmatic and realistic
Growing up with global events such as the War on Terror and the Global Financial Crisis, Gen Z is now very practical and goal-oriented, says the Index.
Because they plan their careers and seek out job security early on, they may be attracted to internships or apprenticeships if long-term university studies seem too much of a risk.
The time for decisions
As Gen Z is only just coming out of school, they are making their minds up about their future career paths right now.
Employers should therefore be part of this decision process by talking to this group of willing workers. Show them what is attractive right now and firms can get themselves on Gen Z’s most wanted employers list before they enter the job market.
A belief in global diversity
Gen Z is widely considered to be the first truly diverse, global generation, according to the Index.
They are the first group for which gender segregation is out of the question, and they are the first to find friends on a worldwide scale.
This means HR should take care not to lag on issues such as diversity and inclusion while also staying up-to-date on the technology offered to workers.
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