Just when we got comfortable with Millennials in the workforce, a new generation – Gen Z or Zoomers – has emerged. According to the Pew Research Center, Gen Z was born between 1996 and 2011. And like all new generations entering the workforce, Gen Z brings new styles, idiosyncrasies, and preferences we need to learn to navigate.
While it’s natural and normal to find yourself thinking “kids these days…” or “when I was their age…” I have some exciting news for family businesses, and dare I say, all of corporate America. If you play your cards right, Gen Z can be your secret weapon to success.
Here are five Gen Z strengths you can leverage to achieve your company’s goals.
Gen Z Strength #1: They Are Globally Minded but Personally Motivated
Gen Z are digital natives who grew up with immediate access to the entire world and an ability to share their opinions, points of view, and priorities with thousands (and in some cases, millions) via social media. They are very good at making sure your company keeps its promises to your workforce and customers in a meaningful way. They can balance big picture thinking with an awareness of individual impact. Listen to their concerns and ideas; their point of view can help you avoid costly trial and error methods.
Gen Z Strength #2: They Are Resourceful
This generation was in a major developmental stage during the Great Recession of 2008. They saw parents and grandparents lose their jobs, savings, and retirement funds, which gave them a keen sense of how to make a lot out of a little. While they do expect resources from their employer, they will make the most of what you give them. Share scarcity challenges and involve them in troubleshooting how to get the most out of limited resources; their innovation may surprise you.
Gen Z Strength #3: They Are Assertive
Younger people are often criticized for acting like they know it all, while those of us who are older know we still have a lot to learn. Gen Z has been raised to speak their mind, articulate what they want, and ask for what they need. While this can sometimes be perceived as challenging authority, I encourage you to reframe this assertiveness as a cost saving measure. Employers generally invest a great deal of time and money to learn employees’ wants and needs, but Gen Z will tell you directly. When they proactively ask for something, consider the value of the information and think about how best to engage them going forward.
Gen Z Strength #4: They Are Resilient
Gen Z navigated the COVID-19 pandemic during a crucial developmental stage. They had to adapt to changing learning environments, find new ways to connect with friends and classmates, and get comfortable with the unknown. While we can debate the pandemic’s impact on this generation, one thing is clear: they thrive on challenges. Where reasonable, give them projects and assignments that stretch their skills beyond their current years of experience.
Gen Z Strength #5: They Are Accountable
Because this generation has lived through two major societal upheavals, they have learned the hard lesson that nothing is guaranteed. Hence, they have developed a strong sense of accountability and self-reliance. When given challenges, they take ownership and want to see it through to completion. Make sure you are communicating what success looks like and then give them the space to get to work.
It’s important to note:
- Generational traits are broad strokes, and the strengths listed above may not apply to everyone in Gen Z. Consider using behavioral assessments, such as the Predictive Index, to tap into individuals’ unique strengths and preferences.
- Each employee, regardless of generation, has something to contribute. The true secret weapon for any family-owned business is understanding each employee’s strengths and how best to leverage them.
- This generation is still evolving. Keep in mind the oldest Gen Z/Zoomer is not yet 30 and the youngest are just entering eighth grade. We won’t really know Gen Z’s true attributes until about 2036, when the youngest turn 25.
Learn More About How Using Behavioral Assessments Can Unlock Your Family Business’s Potential
While navigating the entry of Gen Z/Zoomers into the workforce may present initial challenges, embracing their unique attributes can prove to be a strategic advantage for family businesses. They will keep companies accountable to their promises while maintaining a focus on individual impact. Moreover, their resourcefulness, assertiveness, willingness to tackle challenges, and innate sense of accountability make them invaluable assets for driving growth and innovation within organizations. As Gen Z continues to evolve and mature, their full potential and impact on the business landscape will undoubtedly unfold, offering new opportunities for growth and success well into the future.
Contact us if you’d like to learn more about how to use behavioral assessments like the Predictive Index to unlock valuable insights into your employees and your team dynamics.