Change in traditions, economies, technology, and people go hand in hand with evolution. While there are many factors to consider, people remain the central drivers of these transformations.
However, despite these shifts that aims to improve the quality of life, there are still some drawbacks.
Imagine yourself as an HR member of a company when someone slides into your office and hands over a resume across your desk. As you review the CV, you realize the applicant belongs to Generation Z.
Would you hire them? What benefits could this generation bring to your company? Are there risks involved? Let’s explore.
The Advantages of Hiring Gen Z
Gen Z is characterized by their digital fluency, a drive for authenticity, and heightened social awareness. Technology has shaped the way they get things done and how they communicate.
In the workplace, the entry of Gen Z has promoted inclusivity, mental health awareness, and flexible work arrangements. These shifts have encouraged companies to adapt, innovate, and implement new work practices.
Here are some benefits that they can give to companies:
Diversity
Gen Z workforce adapts well to changes in their environment. These individuals don’t find relocation as an issue, especially when they are at the cusp of building their careers. They can easily adjust to where companies place them. This flexibility enables companies to find more qualified talents in the long run.
Productivity
If there are people who likely work best with technology, it’s the Gen Zs. These individuals have entered the age of these advancements in their youth, giving them the upper hand in exposure and expertise. Thus, when hiring Gen Z applicants, companies can expect these people to work more productively, given their adept use of technological tools. Also, enterprises can anticipate higher output volume and improved accuracy.
Efficient Hiring Process
Hiring employees back in the day could take months to fill in a new or vacated position. However, with the emergence of the Gen Z working population, this human resource process has become streamlined as application procedures have transitioned to more social and culture-friendly methods. Some interviews are conducted over video conferences, while other assessments have pivoted to digital materials, giving employers and applicants more convenience.
Other benefits of employing Gen Z include:
A desire for face-to-face communication despite being adept to technology;
Lower hiring costs;
High return despite lower salary demands
The Challenges of Hiring Gen Zs
While Gen Z brings many advantages, there are also challenges to consider:
Retention Issues
While hiring Gen Z can boost a company’s productivity, there is no guarantee that such a strategy will last long. Employee retention is an issue among several entities that employ Gen Z workforces. This generation is more likely to jump from one job to another to hasten the increase of their worth, experience and income.
Benefits and Expectations
Gen Zs might feel an added entitlement to generous benefits that may not be available to all companies. This aspect should concern hiring managers as Gen Zs attract impressions and ideas about how entities should compensate employees. Although benefits like extended leaves, remote access, and beyond-mandatory ones, such as bonuses, travel incentives, or property entitlements, can be available, Gen Zs should understand that they should earn these under specified metrics.
Additional challenges HR might face with Gen Z include:
Short attention spans;
The need to shift to digital recruitment and management tools;
A desire to be in leadership roles early in their careers
Attracting Gen Z to Your Workforce
