Managing Your Multi- Generational Staff


Introducing Generation Z by Eileen Viglione I


n your arena, you’ll probably find five diverse generations working side by side. Have you noticed that each


generation operates with their own set of attributes, principles and attitudes? Tese are shaped by their life experiences. In order to have a successful team,


managers must create a work culture that embraces these differences. Tis will help to retain employees. First, let’s take a look at America’s


youngest workers: Gen Z, also known as iGen — because their world is


“iEverything” mobile devices. Born after 1995, the oldest members of this group are age 20, and you probably have quite a few working in your arena.


Gen Z/iGen (Born after 1995)


Currently numbering 23 million, this group is expected to become the fastest- growing generation in the workplace and marketplace over the next five years. What are the most defining


characteristics of Gen Z? While members are mostly adolescents and kids at this time, early indicators predict that they are self aware, self-reliant, innovative and goal-oriented, according to The Center for Generational Kinetics. “Most members don’t remember a time before social media. As a result, they tend to live much more of their entire lives — from interacting with friends and family to making major purchases — online and via their smartphones,” says the center. “Tis could have profound implications for


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everything, from their relationships and how they learn to virtual reality training and problem solving.” Gen Z is a highly educated bunch, with


a large number graduating from college — more than any previous generation. Tey are well versed at gathering research online and often educate themselves by watching YouTube tutorials/videos. Tey literally have digital appendages that allow them to acquire what they want immediately without having to work as hard at gaining knowledge. Naturally, they are considered the most influential group of technology trendsetters — the true digital natives of our world. As the most diverse generation in U.S.


history, Gen Z does not recognize diversity, unless it’s absent, according to Jason Dorsey, Gen Z expert and co-founder of Te Center for Generational Kinetics. They will never remember a time before an African American president, the legalization of gay marriage and 20-something billionaires.


Gen Z/iGen at Work So what can you expect from Gen Z in the workplace? Aside from being tethered to their smartphones, this pragmatic generation, according to Te Center for Generational Kinetics:


• Prefers face to face conversations. Based on a recent survey conducted by Future Workplace and Randstad, 39 percent of Gen Z prefer in-person communication to digital alternatives, such as email, social networking and video conferencing


• Is distracted by social media. Gen Z is somewhat more likely than their Millennial co-workers to blame social media for distracting them during the workday, according to a recent Time magazine article.


• Wants to work in a workplace setting, rather than from a home office.


• Desires to be mentored. Nearly half of Gen Z says they want to be mentored by their bosses.


• Values traditional benefits. While office perks such as free snacks and a Ping-Pong table are attractive to these younger workers, Gen Z desires work that provides traditional benefits, including healthcare and a competitive salary. In fact, according to CNBC, Gen Z is more willing than previous generations to relocate or work nights and weekends to secure a job with a competitive salary.


• Is self-motivated. Te CNBC article found that 76 percent of Gen Z see themselves as in control of shaping their own career paths, and nearly half of respondents said they have their own businesses, compared to 32 percent across all working generations.


Te center is exploring whether or not


Gen Z’s pragmatism will carry over into the workplace. Will they accept lower- paying jobs to gain entry into a career or hold out hoping for something better to come along?


ISI EDGE WINTER 2016


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