Our next generation

16 Jul Our next generation

What Generation Z will demand in their workplace…

Generation Z: Those born around 1995 – 2010

Generation Z, or those born 1995-2010, is currently in grade or high school. This group makes up a quarter of the U.S. population and by 2020 will account for 40% of all consumers. It will not be long before they enter into the workforce, demanding a work environment in which they can thrive.

The population of the U.S. continues to expand in number and diversity, which is reflected in the numbers of Generation Z.  According to the 2010 U.S. census, for the most recent generation:

• One in four families in the U.S. speak a language other than English in the home.
• For those 18-34 years of age, 42.8% identify as something other than non-Hispanic White, up from 21.6% of young adults in 1980.
• 15.4% of young adults in the U.S. are foreign-born.

The kind of work environment that Gen Z will expect is not out of reach.  Gen Z-ers prize innovation and loyalty. They will also likely have a different view of diversity and inclusion than its preceding generations. Along with themselves being more ethnically diverse, they’ve grown up witnessing the first African American President, the legalization of gay marriage, and increased recognition of local and global social justice issues.  Any company that does not uphold a standard of inclusivity will encounter difficulty attracting Generation Z.

While critics worry about Generation Z’s dependence on technology, there is one thing that technology does extremely well: make the world smaller.  As digital natives, Gen Z is adept at communicating with people around the globe.  They are familiar with a sense of unity with people from various cultures, and are more likely to find any kind of prejudice offensive.

The use of technology is also beneficial for people with disabilities.  Companies who are set up to allow work from home, have work spaces accessible for those with physical disabilities, and provide for those require extra assistance are companies Gen Z will be happy to work for.

Gen Z professionals are looking for organizations and companies offering mentoring, transparency, opportunities for collaboration, community engagement as well as an inclusive perspective.

Gen Z will come expecting open minds and workplaces.  Are you prepared? Now is the time to become a more inclusive organization and workplace environment to begin attracting and retaining Generation Z young professionals. Here at Inclusive Performance Strategies we are ready to come alongside you in this process with our knowledge and experience-tested approaches.