Generation Z May Shake up the World

I’ll go out on a limb to say employers are likely to be happier with Gen Z workers than Millennials, generalized as a group.

Serious problem-solvers, (though unfortunately even more stressed ) a look at reported Gen Z behaviors, formative influences including parenting, and recent surveys tracking how they are trending should serve as an alert to employers that conversion of work environment and norms to what they have been finally persuaded is what Millennials want may require another re-think. It may even require harking back to the significant influences of their Gen X parents’ attributes for clues.

It’s also a reminder from me that it is unwise to focus on any one generation no matter how large and vocal) to the exclusion of all generations at work.

Next Up: Gen Z Grads’ Experiences

I start with some stats from a late 2017 Accenture study on Gen Z (Gen Z Rising , 2017) of more than 6,000 students in the U.S. and Europe in large companies.

66% of 2015 and 2016 grads think they’re underemployed – an ambitious group! And 2017 grads think they are ready for responsibilities and want an engaging experience at work.

89% of ’17 grads considered job availability before selecting a major.

82% of ’15 and’16 grads had completed an apprenticeship or internship, and 79% of those led to a job for 2017.

62% expect to stay in their job 3 or more years.

So far it sounds pretty good, but only 61% of the 93% that expected to landed a job in their field or work full-time in their chosen field actually had, indicating flexibility is necessary in early years at least.

What recent grads reported they want most at work is very similar to the desires of generations ahead of them. (So employers should pay heed to satisfy and engage all generations.) More to come on this in the continuation of this topic next month.

The top industry choices recent grads surveyed in the Accenture study want to work in are:

- Education 17% - (maybe a surprise?)
- Communications (15%)
- 3 rd and 4 th choices are retail and healthcare

They want a personalized employee experience – expressed more strongly than previous generations.

Related: The Upside to Doing Away With Holiday Office Parties

The study concludes that Gen Z is showing maturity in preparing themselves and is willing to work hard and take ownership of and for their careers. More to come next month.