Earlier this week we spoke to the importance of embracing generational diversity in the workplace. Today, we are focusing on Gen Z (born 1996-2010) in particular.
It is obviously critical for companies to embrace and welcome Gen Z, as they are the next wave of talent in the present and future workforce.
What is the best way to go about having a Gen Z-ready workplace?
Well, first we need to understand the important features of Gen Z. Looking to the demographics of Gen Z is a great start. Gen Z is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in history. They are also the most educated. This poses both interesting challenges and opportunities around creating a Gen Z-welcoming workplace.
Built upon this demographic foundation is a principal focus and value that Gen Z has: supporting diversity and inclusion. This attention to diversity and inclusion includes their personal lives, political influences, and their professional lives. 83% of Gen Z candidates believe that a company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is important when choosing an employer. Gen Z employees are also more likely to take a pay cut to work for socially responsible companies that are active in supporting diversity and inclusion.
Andrea Rodriguez at IG states that a key way to attract and support Gen Z is to ‘walk the walk’, if you will. "Companies also must realize that to have diverse individuals feel comfortable making business decisions and vocalizing their ideas, these companies must also have a diverse and inclusive culture. A single representative of a group of people shouldn't be a token representative or feel like a box that is checked in a company’s diversity initiatives. The diversity must flow through the whole organization."
What does this mean? Move beyond the checkboxes. Be actionable - focus on real behavioral and cultural transformation.
By doing this, you are not just creating a work environment equipped to better recruit Gen Z, you’re also improving how long Gen Z employees will stay with you. Andrea Rodriguez continues. “Employers must realize that implementing a diverse and inclusive environment not only helps attract diverse individuals, but it also helps with retention. This is important to consider given the current competitive job market and increased employee turnover."
Embrace Gen Z! Walk the (generational) walk.
We’ve got ways to help you do that best.