In 2017 we are a year closer in welcoming Gen Z into the workplace. Millennials (Gen Y) have already established a secure spot and are leading the show, they will now need to equip themselves to head the novice.
With this shift in the generation, HR will need to begin its groundwork to embrace the new wave of staffing from the true digital natives (Gen Z). Gen Z is always in constant touch with the digital world and it is quite impossible to isolate them. This new alliance with fresh talent doesn’t come all that easy. Recruiters have to look at the on-boarding of this Generation as a possible organizational disruption and restructure business operations and administration to best engage the post-millennials.
The contemporary job market sees recruitment teams and managers hiring more contingent workers. In 2015, a study by Ardent’s research underlined the fact that by 2017 nearly 45% of the world’s workforce would be contingent workers. The traits Gen Z carries manifests the fact that they are already being influenced by the gig economy of independent contractors, freelancers, consultants and advisors.
Some particularities that set Gen Z apart from the rest and directs their preference towards the gig economy are:
• Individuality:
Individuality and the urge to standout come inherently with this Generation. They seek jobs that best fits them and would not settle down for anything less. An unsatisfactory job means moving on to the next.
• Multi-tasking:
With uncertainty always enclosing Gen Z, they are prone to change and with that comes the ability to overcome distractions and the skill to multi-task efficiently. The capacity to work concurrently means more hands on experience with multiple projects and a wider portfolio to exhibit.
• High Expectations:
Gen z is innate modernizers with an inquisitive nature to learn and explore. Job satisfaction is more than just the paycheck they take home, it’s about comfort, work environment and organizational flexibility. Such an outlook could be the reason why this Generation prefers freelancing or work from home, as they can work on their own terms and at their own time convenience.
• Travel Buffs:
Gen Z is global, they are incessant with their worldly connect. Keenness to explore and travel make them more open to jobs across the globe and are always ready to relocate.
• Tech Savvy:
With constant up-gradations and being surrounded by digital devices all the time, Gen Z is very much Tech Savvy. They have the internet at their fingertips and learning has become effortless. They can adapt easily and are very agile.
The time available now is inadequate and just around the corner, we have a bunch of determined individuals who are hoping to make the world a better place. It now lies on the shoulders of HR to do their homework and analyze the capacity and the possibilities Gen Z would bring into this hyper-competitive job market.