The discussion over Millennials’ influence in society and the workplace has reached a feverish crescendo over the past several years, which sometimes has seemed overwrought. And yet, at a recent client panel I helped facilitate, the discussion on recruitment and retention focused on the GenZ (aka Generation Z or the iGeneration,) group entering the workforce straight out of college.
GenZ is identified as those born between the years 1995 and 2012. According to Forbes, the GenZ populationconstitutes approximately 25% of the U.S. population, meaning they outnumber both Millennials and Baby Boomers. They have been described as Millennials on steroids by some, while others see interesting and distinct differences between the two. Our panelists described this newest generation as “early career” staff and say they see a change coming to the workforce.
GenZ cannot remember a time when the internet wasn’t ubiquitous and have grown up with smart phones as the technological and cultural norm. Like Millennials, they are tech savvy but are the first to be considered true digital natives. What has been observed to date is that this new generation coming into the workforce is characterized by a shorter attention span. Another observed trait is that GenZ is differs from their older Millennial counterparts because they possess a stronger work ethic and can multi-task better. This is a generation that doesn’t have the helicopter parenting, have observed their parents managing the Great Recession of 2008, and saw firsthand the need for frugality, hard work, and perseverance.
During the recruitment/retention panel discussion, our participants expressed concern about these early career professionals. Each participant noted that they hire interns and others straight out of school and acknowledge that this class of workers’ expectations and impact affecting their strategies on the delivery of both space and services. “Demographics play a huge role at my company, we’re trending with the majority of our staff being less than 35 years old.”