Understanding Generation Z

Distributors are scrambling to figure out ways to attract Millennials right now, but it won’t be too long before they begin courting Generation Z, the next era of the world’s workforce.

Born between 1995 and 2010, Generation Z has already started into adulthood, and the older members are already working professionals. Soon, the generation will account for one-fifth of America’s labor force, says a report by LinkedIn, who surveyed more than 2,000 Gen Z professionals to find out what they’re like.

In addition to youth, this up-in-coming generation will inject plenty of skill into the workplace, due in large part to being the first group to grow up with the internet. 

More than three-quarters of those surveyed say the skills that are necessary to succeed in the workforce today are different than those needed in previous generations. Perhaps a bit of surprise, more than 60 percent of those surveyed believe that technical hard skills are changing faster than ever, and are more important than soft skills, like communication, leadership and creativity.

More than half of current Generation Z employees expect that change will result in their current job not existing 20 years from now. A response that makes sense given that nearly 60 percent of Generation Z professionals say they’re willing to learn new skills.

Given their desire to prosper, companies need to attract Gen Z with opportunities to learn and grow. LinkedIn suggests companies re-configure their entry-level positions so that members of Gen Z are not only attracted to the position, but also immersed with their career once they’ve started. 

This also bodes well for retention. LinkedIn’s research found that almost 40 percent of Gen Z professionals say they will stay at their current job because there are opportunities for advancement.

 

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Hiring and Retaining Millennials