Preparing for Gen-Alpha

Looking ahead to the next generation, what do workplaces really need to be preparing for?

As Generation Alpha begins to approach the workforce, a fascinating shift is on the horizon - one that promises to reshape the way we think about work, careers, and the workplace itself.?

Born roughly between 2010 and 2025, Gen Alpha is the first generation to grow up entirely in a digital-first world. This unique upbringing has instilled in them a set of expectations and values that are distinctly different from those of previous generations. Understanding these expectations is key for organisations that wish to attract and retain this upcoming wave of talent.

When Henry Coutinho-Mason - a reluctant futurist - spoke at Thrive 's last customer event, he mentioned the tension that will exist between those coming into the workplace with certain expectations and those workplaces who do not meet them where they are. This is going to be a huge challenge from this moment forward, particularly in historically fast-to-react sectors.?

How you start planning now could have a serious affect on your success in the future.

So what do you need to know?

Technology is defining a generation

One of the most defining characteristics of Gen-A is their seamless integration with technology. Unlike older generations who witnessed the dawn of the internet, mobile phones, and social media, Gen Alpha has never known a world without these tools. For them, technology is not just an aspect of life; it is life. They’ve been raised on smartphones, tablets, and AI-powered devices from their earliest days, leading to an intrinsic understanding of how these technologies work and how they can be used to solve problems.?

I often stop to think: If my 4 year old daughter knows how to navigate Netflix now, what will her expectations be by the time she enters the workplace?

Many children, once grown-up, will look for workplaces where digital tools are not just available but are fully integrated into every aspect of the job. Whether it’s using AI to streamline tasks, leveraging data analytics to drive decisions, or employing virtual and augmented reality for training and collaboration, Gen Alpha will feel at home in environments where technology is at the forefront. And I’d like to think this will extend outside of the walls of work and integrate more seamlessly into other aspects of life, like physical and mental wellbeing more specifically. I always remember Nick Holmes saying that it’s one of his/ Avalere Health 's goals to help people to live longer as a result of their work environments, and it really stuck with me.?

The traditional office setup may also seem alien as a result (even more so than it does now...). For many children who fall into this age bracket, they witnessed their parents, siblings, friends and schools navigate the pandemic, where remote work became the norm. Flexibility might be seen as a standard expectation, not a perk. They’ve seen firsthand that work can be done from anywhere and may push for remote or hybrid work models that allow them to balance professional responsibilities with personal life in a way that previous generations could only dream of.

Individuality is key

True personalisation is something that is edging ever closer in many aspects of tech. Growing up with platforms like Netflix , YouTube , and Spotify that tailor content to their preferences, it’s likely they will expect the same level of customisation in their careers. They won’t be satisfied with one-size-fits-all career paths. Instead, they’ll look for opportunities that align with their individual interests, strengths, and values. Companies that can offer tailored career development opportunities, allowing employees to forge their unique paths, will be especially attractive to this generation. Unlocking the cross-over between this way of thinking and the skills individuals hold is going to be crucial for many businesses. Linking someone to a specific project, rather than a role defined by a more rigid set of responsibilities will increase efficiency and productivity within a business. Skill-sharing at large scale could revolutionise business.

How will this desire for personalisation extend to practical work environments too?

Is having control over what digital tools are used, personalising virtual desktops, or even having a say in how they collaborate with others something that workplaces could adapt to? I can hear the Information Security teams rolling their eyes at me, but it’s interesting to think about the ‘What ifs?’ here. If individuals are accustomed to environments that adapt to them, not the other way around, what will their expectations be in their professional lives?

Placing learning at the forefront

As lifelong learners, Generation Alpha will also expect continuous development opportunities in their careers. The traditional model of education followed by a static career is rapidly becoming obsolete, and Gen Alpha will be at the forefront of this shift. They will seek out employers who provide ongoing learning opportunities, from formal education and certifications to on-the-job training and personal development resources. They are likely to value environments that support their growth through personalised learning paths, enabling them to acquire new skills and knowledge throughout their careers.

This focus on continuous learning ties into a broader trend of career fluidity that is likely to define Gen-A’s approach to work. They won’t be tied to a single role, company, or even industry. Instead, they will move fluidly between different opportunities, seeking out new challenges and experiences. Organisations that can offer flexible roles and support this career fluidity through development programs will be particularly appealing to this generation. The concept of a “job for life” will be even more outdated than it is now, and will be fully replaced by a desire for dynamic, evolving careers.

As a result of this, workplace culture will be crucial to attracting and retaining talent. We’ve seen first-hand the impact of Gen-Z’s focus on ethical and sustainability considerations at work, and this will only continue to strengthen. Organisations that are diverse, inclusive, and collaborative will be the most successful in the future, so it makes sense that these types of businesses will be attracting top-tier talent and have the best value proposition for the people. Environments where collaboration across diverse teams will be the norm, and different perspectives are not just tolerated but celebrated.

To wrap it all up…

It may seem a world away to think about the children who are under the age of 14 entering the world of work, but realistically this could start happening in a couple of years time. And with them they’ll bring a unique upbringing in a digital-first, globally connected world. If you and your business can’t offer technological sophistication, flexibility, personalisation, and ethical practices, it’s likely going to be a concerning time for your orgnisation longer term.?

Due to the fact that Gen-A will likely value continuous learning, diversity, and collaboration, and the fact that they will be driven by a strong sense of purpose, businesses that can meet these expectations will not only attract the highest quality talent but will also position themselves as leaders in the future of work.?

The arrival of Generation Alpha in the workforce promises to be a transformative moment, one that will reshape how we think about work, the workplace and learning for years to come.

Interested in what the future might look like for you from a learning perspective? Get in touch with us.