Multiple Generations in the Workforce: Time to Embrace Gen Z

The oldest of Gen Z is now in their early 20’s and have joined us in the workplace.

What can we expect from the generation that will have the largest demographic in the workforce since baby boomers?

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There are currently 5 generations in the workforce.

The youngest millennials have educated themselves and/or entered the workforce in some capacity by now; even if they are still living with their parents.

Therefore, we are ready to be compared to our predeccesors and make some room for the next cohort.

1.

The Silent Generation is who we can thank for the switch from the steam engine to Electricity & Oil. They're important, just not really to this article.

...or the workforce for much longer.

2.

Baby boomers are responsible for the progression from assembly lines to automated production & computers during the 3rd Industrial Revolution.

One of the greatest things about boomer employees is that they don’t require any fancy rewards or motivation to work hard.

The best way to attract boomers is in the classifieds of your local newspaper.

3.

Generation X was the first to grow up with Technology.

While they didn’t spearhead any revolutions, do not underestimate the ability of a Gen X to diffuse a heated situation between a boomer and a millennial.

Gen X thrives in change, and are engaged through problem solving, mentorship, development, decision making, & growth opportunities. 

You can attract almost any Gen X with a great benefits package.

4.

Millennials are the first generation of Digital Natives; meaning we have had access to buttloads of information on the Internet for most of our lives. 

Even though it was Dial- Up to start, let’s just say that growing up with the World Wide Web resulted in a generally better educated, connected, & well informed generation. 

“Woke” if you will. 

Anxious but mighty, millennials entered the workforce around 2000 and are pioneers of the 4th Industrial Revolution.

Along with AI, Big Data, and Robotics- we have built a solid foundation of Female Leaders, LGBTQ rights, legal weed & artisanal coffee. 

Our impact on the workplace has majorly been introducing remote work and consistently advocating for shorter work weeks. You can also thank millennials for perks like foosball tables, Kombucha, pets, & nap rooms at the office.*

*Simply offer the above to attract millennial talent, but we will probably still remain the least engaged generation of the workforce...this is likely because when we’re not napping, we’re busy teaching our superiors how to navigate MS Excel or use “they” as a pronoun.

JUST when you learned to love us, here comes the next generation of our younger siblings.

5.

Gen Z. Straight out of the womb with an IPhone and a Social Media Account.

First outnumbering us with friends on Facebook, then likes & followers on Instagram... now they’re ditching post-secondary institutions altogether to build online businesses and learn TikTok dances while we slowly climb the corporate ladder to pay off our student loans.

They may have the most Mental Health Problems (giving millennials a run for their money), but they are bold, fearless, & passionate.

Some hate that Gen Z is better than us at everything we created, but I think that they are just the army we need to support us facilitate change in the workplace.

Gen Z is attracted to work environments that are as highly collaborative as they are high tech. They are self- directed, evolved & creative learners, that appreciate consistent feedback.

While Gen X and millennials can't shut up about work-life balance, Gen Z is much more concerned with work-life harmony.

Even though they are largely financially driven, Gen Z wants nothing more than to make a difference. They are looking for flexible employers that genuinely prioritize social responsibility, inclusion, and diversity.

Video is absolutely crucial to building an authentic Employer Brand across Social Media to attract the latest generation. 

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Gen Z entering the workforce has widened the generational gap.

Overall, this means managing and setting work expectations for multiple generations is going to be more challenging.

This also means you have employees on your team with entirely fresh perspectives, motivations, and skills that may not be evolved or developed yet in other demographics.

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With millenials as managers, and a Global Pandemic as a catalyst - I think we should brace ourselves for the next Industrial Revolution. 

What impact do you think Gen Z will have on the workplace?