You have a bright young candidate come in for an interview. You chat for a few minutes, make a Curb Your Enthusiasm reference, and … crickets. Because this person was too young to have watched it — they may recognize Larry David as the guy who does the good Bernie Sanders impression. This candidate is part of Generation Z, born anywhere from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s, and they’re the next large group of employees headed into the workplace. They have slightly different work habits and expectations than the millennials, so you need to know how best to work with them and get the most out of them as employees.
- They prefer face-to-face interactions. Contrary to some of the rumors and myths floating around, the members of Generation Z don’t walk around with their eyes perpetually glued to a screen. The fact is that they’ve simply grown up surrounded by technology, and they actually find too much tech distracting. If you as a manager need to speak with an employee from this generation, have a good old-fashioned conversation rather than sending an email or making a phone call.
- They expect to balance work and life. The idea of a work-life balance resonates very highly with Generation Z, particularly because they have the ability to do so much just about anywhere thanks to technology. They want an employer who values a life outside the workplace, and allowing them to have flexible schedules may well benefit you. When they’re on the clock, they focus on that, getting their best work done so they can then truly “turn off” when not working — Gen Z is noted for an excellent work ethic. This can also allow your company to reach other clients and customers at hours outside the usual 9-5 workday, making you seem more accessible.
- They prize both a collaborative workplace and quiet time. Generation Z expects a friendly, open work environment with those face-to-face interactions, but they also want places where they can work quietly and independently when they really need to focus. The office that can offer that combination of spaces will make itself very attractive to this incoming group of workers, and in turn give them the chance to work to their best capacity. See what you can do about offering both open, collaborative areas and places they can close off and concentrate when needed.
The best companies understand their employees’ needs and find a way to balance both old and new ways of working, bringing them together. No matter your employee needs, you’ll find what you’re looking for by partnering with the recruiting professionals at PrideStaff Thousand Oaks.
