Generation Z – 4 Things you need to know about the candidate of tomorrow

Generation Z — the generation born after 1995 and entering the workforce today — is unlike any other. As a generation born with immediate internet access and smartphones, they’re tech-savvy, of course, but there’s more: Generation Z is also deeply concerned with diversity, work-life balance and a bevy of different work-related issues other generations might not have cared as much about.

As an employer, it’s important to understand this generation to attract its top talent. So, here are a few facts you need to know before you interview, and one day hire, anyone from Generation Z. 

1. They’re Tuned into Tech

While millennials are fluent in tech, Gen Z takes tech knowledge to a whole new level — they can’t even remember a time without the internet or a smartphone. They also grew up alongside social media in its many forms. Because they’ve lived in a highly connected world, they’re used to finding and digesting new information constantly, which can make them excellent multitaskers.

As an employer, it might be annoying to see them constantly plugged in but remember — they can process information quickly in a way that non-digital natives can’t, so it’s not all bad.

2. They Care About Culture

While salary and benefits are important to Gen Z, what may be more important is whether they fit within a company’s culture. They want a pleasant, meaningful day-to-day experience — not just a livable wage and access to health insurance. They also want to know they’re making a difference: 60 percent say they want to impact the world positively — and they’d like to have it through your company, if at all possible. So, to attract this generation, it’s crucial to show how your organization contributes to something meaningful and clearly communicates that mission on your company website. 

3. Diversity Is Normal to Them 

For this generation, diversity is the rule, not the exception. In fact, Gen Z is incredibly diverse in itself. They’re also more inclusive of LGBTQ people, with about one third identifying as non-heterosexual. 

That’s good news for you: Highly inclusive organizations generate 1.4 times more revenue and are 120% more capable of meeting financial targets. You can appeal to, attract and even hire more of this diverse and inclusive generation by boosting your employer brand.

4. They Want Work-Life Balance

Thanks in part to technology, the lines between work and home blurred. In fact, by 2028, 73% of all teams are expected to have remote workers. So, it should come as no surprise that a traditional 9-to-5 job doesn’t appeal to Gen Z. Instead, they see flexible work as more regular — and they are attracted to workplaces in which they can have the option to work remotely often. You’ll attract Gen Z’s attention if you can allow talented people to customize their schedules and work remotely.

Source: Glassdoor.com