Juiceboxes and Nickelodeon reruns?

Nope – try again.

Generation Z, also known as iGen or homelanders, is all grown up. Entering the workforce. And changing how job satisfaction is defined.

Just what does gen Z want at work – and how can you deliver it? Let’s start by understanding what makes them different from older generations:

• Age. Born between the mid-’90s and early ’00s.
• Tech acumen. Having grown up with mobile tech, social media the internet and all that comes with it, iGen is extremely comfortable with rapidly changing technology.
• Temperament. While every person is unique, homelanders are generally characterized as pragmatic, independent, competitive, sometimes stubborn and in a rush.
• Immediacy. A product of their environment, gen Z is used to having immediate access to everything, everywhere, always.
• Green. Environmental, social and financial crises have made this generation socially aware, fiscally conservative and committed to sustainability.

Bearing these differences in mind, here are a few practical tips to help you attract and retain generation Z employees:

Show Them the Money

While this generation wants to make a difference, their primary motivators are money and job security. During the Great Recession, many members of gen Z watched their parents struggle financially. Now saddled with college debt of their own, they’re driven to earn.

Provide Frequent Feedback

Today’s young professionals have grown up surrounded by support and feedback from parents, coaches, counselors and teachers. While they definitely don’t want to be micromanaged at work, annual reviews are not enough. Provide frequent, timely feedback for younger workers and give them adequate direction to achieve success.

Create Clear Career Paths

Having grown up in the gig economy, generation Z is comfortable with job change. To keep them happy and working for you, provide rewarding experiences that quell “FOMO” (fear of missing out), boost satisfaction and allow them to advance quickly.

Leverage Cross-Generational Mentorship

Gen Z has a lot to learn, but they also have a lot to offer. Pair them with mentors to accelerate learning curves and foster inter-generational bonds. At the same time, ask them to “mentor up” and impart their tech knowledge to older employees. You’ll help younger workers build their confidence, skills and work relationships in the process.

Recruiting Generation Z?

Exact Staff can help. Whether your needs are local or national, temporary or direct, the Exact Family of Companies provides solutions to make recruiting the right talent quicker and more cost-effective.