What appeals to Gen-Z employees?

What are younger employees looking for when they take their first steps into the workplace? Recently I took part in a?virtual meeting with our latest graduate trainee intake. They were brimming with enthusiasm and keen to get started on their careers with the ServiceNow Centre of Excellence. I really enjoyed hearing about their background, what had attracted them to the program and their interests outside of work.

Some of their hobbies were familiar such as sports and travel.?I was intrigued to learn that trainer (or sneaker) collecting is a hobby too. But one interest really stood out –?gaming is huge for this generation. It made me realise how some graduates entering the workplace now have never known a world without the internet and social media. The Gen-Z generation, born between 1997 and 2012, is now starting to enter the workforce, alongside younger Millennials, who were born between 1981 and 1996.

A generation of ‘digital natives’

I’ve written before about how the ServiceNow Centre of Excellence is expanding. And to ensure we continue to meet customer demand, we need to recruit and retain people with the right skills.

Many of our employees are so-called ‘digital natives’, used to being online all the time. They have fantastic tech skills and are particularly happy working with cutting edge technology. This makes them a great fit for us. Our ServiceNow practice is currently creating a lot of really interesting opportunities for people interested in technical and business roles, from Technical Consultants and Technical Architects to Project Managers and System Administrators

Outreach activities

We know how in demand skilled employees are right now.?That’s why we are spending a lot of time on outreach activities, with the latest intake of our successful Graduate Scheme which started last month. And we’re not just looking for people with advanced technical skills. Our tough, but fair recruitment process looks for robust problem solving skills and potential as well as technical knowhow.

My colleague Doris Webb, explained more about how Computacenter approach it’s schools outreach:

“As the younger generation are keen on gaming, virtual reality and chatting online, they sometimes lack confidence in personal meetings and business phone calls. The restrictions imposed by the pandemic has not improved their soft skills in representing themselves to employers and during networking events. Socialising and networking is a valuable skill for these students. To speak in front of a large crowed or to have an interview is really daunting to many. Therefore, school outreach is even more important to help this generation to catch up on these vital skills and to balance out lost time they would have spent with employers or during work experience.”

Training and leadership

Obviously, salary is important, and employees with the right skills are in a strong negotiating position at present. But as well as competitive salaries, Gen-Z and Millennial employees are interested in other aspects of the workplace when looking for their dream job.

Young people starting their careers will be happier working in an organisation with the right office culture, where they are a good “fit". They want robust training and leadership programs, the chance to develop their skills and knowledge, and they value ethical businesses where they can also enjoy socialising as well as earning and learning new skills.

Making people feel supported and valued

This is where our ServiceNow practice stands out. We genuinely care about people, and strive to create an environment where employees feel supported and valued in their careers and are given opportunities to reach their full potential.

We support training and learning on the job, whether that is through studying for the latest ServiceNow certifications, self-study with access to free LinkedIn online learning courses or mentoring opportunities within the workplace. We are committed to providing opportunities for personal development.?

Sustainability, diversity and inclusion are key

There are a number of activities or initiatives that Computacenter undertakes that resonate with this younger generation of employees:

• Our people are our most valuable asset and Computacenter works hard to ensure that when it comes to diversity and inclusivity, these are not just buzzwords.?The modern workplace is about much more than just filling an office with people of different races, backgrounds or identities.
• Computacenter has an ongoing commitment to cut CO2 emissions and cut its carbon footprint as business travel starts to return with the lifting of pandemic restrictions. We have a company policy of choosing carbon efficient flight options for business travel. We are also installing solar panels on our buildings in Kerpen, Germany to generate energy and reduce energy consumption.
• Through Computacenter’s partnership with Loughborough University, our business supports both women’s and men’s sports. Computacenter sponsors Loughborough Lightning Rugby, the Men’s Performance rugby union team and Loughborough Lightning Netball.
• Computacenter has pledged to support the employment of veterans, their spouses and partners and works with the?Refugee Council in creating internships and professional opportunities for?qualified people from refugee backgrounds.
• Everyone at the ServiceNow practice has the opportunity for hybrid working, allowing for a better work/life balance and greater agility during these turbulent times.

Wellbeing and good mental health?

Our employees’ wellbeing and mental health is important to us. ?One of the ways we do this is via a digital health solution that provides a range of health and wellbeing content from free yoga sessions to cookery classes.

Within the ServiceNow practice, we combine face to face meetings with opportunities to bond socially in the evening.?We aim to enshrine the Computacenter values of “earning, learning and having fun together”.

Why we invest in future talent

The next generation of employees will be vital to our continued growth and success.?That’s why we have a team dedicated to future talent.?They are focused on engaging with the next generation of employees through a full range of education outreach programs.

There is a lot of value in working with young people who are combining work with study either through apprenticeships, internships or placements.?We have an award winning scheme which is in the top 25% of companies for student placements, according to RateMyPlacement.

It is often said that Generation Z aim to find purpose in what they do. Purpose to drive change, an outlook on sustainability and a place where their voice can be heard. I am proud that we offer all of this plus an agile, inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive, and I look forward to seeing our team expand significantly this year.