With a global population of 2 billion people, Generation Z, those born between the years 1995-2010, comprise a large portion of the talent market and as a result, companies big and small are looking at how they can attract, retain, and grow the next generation of top young talent on their teams.
Gen Z, also known as the 'Digital Natives' are the first generation to grow up in a world surrounded by touchscreen devices, social media, and wifi connectivity. As a result, this generation thinks in very different ways, and are approaching their careers in very different ways to other generations that have come before.
Young professionals today are not just digitally literate, but they are digitally confident, and as well as being active digital citizens, they have a deep care and passion for the world around us, and are looking for opportunities to help make the world a better place.
With the oldest Generation Zs now approaching their late twenties, here are some of the trends we are noticing for our next generation of top young talent:
Purpose Over Profits
Young professionals are willing to take up to a 30% pay cut to work for a company or a cause that they truly believe in. Generation Z are incredibly passionate about making the world a better place and are looking to work for organisations that are actively making a difference.
Remote & Flexible Working Opportunities
For Generation Z, flexible working arrangements are a non-negotiable when looking for jobs. Young professionals are looking for roles that offer work-life balance and the ability to work from home or work remotely is something many young people look for when considering future careers and employers.
A Sense Of Ownership
Generation Zs are looking for a workplace that makes them feel valued. Young people don't want to work for a company that makes them feel like they are just a number and would be replaced if they quit tomorrow. This is why we are seeing a big shift in top talent opting to work for startups, charities, and not-for-profits as opposed to traditional corporates. Ensure you are empowering your staff to take ownership of their projects, and make them feel like a valued member of the team.
Team Culture
A strong trend that has become clear for Gen Z over recent years is that they are considerably less tolerant of toxic corporate cultures in comparison to other generations. This generation are looking for a place they enjoy coming to work at, a team they enjoy working with, and work that they enjoy doing. Ensure you are investing in creating a dynamic team culture where everyone can share their ideas, and employee happiness is highly valued.
Human To Human Connection
Whilst Gen Z have been nicknamed the 'Digital Natives', this generation craves connection. Whether it is face to face or online, ensure you are providing the young professionals on your team with the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and build relationships with each other and other members of the team.
About The Author: The tech-head prodigy behind BOP Industries, Scott Millar is a young entrepreneur taking the world by storm. Compared to a young Steve Jobs after turning a year nine business project into a thriving business, Scott finished high school and deferred university to run BOP Industries full time, now with a growing presence around the world. Scott has recently been named one of Australia’s top 30 under 30 in business, Asia Pacific’s Inspiring Youth Leader for 2019, Queensland's Small Business Leader for 2021, Griffith University Entrepreneur In Residence, and an LGBT advocate and leader in Australia and overseas.
To find out more about Scott and to see if he's available to speak at your next event, head to: www.iamscottmillar.com/speakingÂ