Generation Z: what should you consider?

The next generation that will enter the labour market is ready. This is the so-called 'Generation Z'. This group includes those aged between 0 and 20 years. In The Netherlands, this includes more than 3.8 million people. Of these, more than 800 thousand by October 2015 between 16 and 20 years old have begun within the market.

Generation Features

This is the first generation that has immediately faced from birth to the Internet, wifi and smartphones. The first generation that is always online and regulates everything online. These are digital natives. What continues to make this generation stand out is that it is a very different generation. Nearly a quarter of the 16 to 19-year-olds are from ethnic minorities.

Attitude towards work and career

Universum, a consultant in the field of employer branding, recently under went research into the attitudes of young people born between 1996 and 2000 regarding their future career and work. A large part of them are still in active education, but within a few years will enter the labour market. What must employers take into account? What will they respond to?

This generation is very optimistic:
65 percent of the young people in 'Generation Z' is hopeful about the future. However, they are less optimistic about their standard of living. Only half expect to do better than his or her parents, against 71 percent of the generation Y.

Values regarding work:
36 percent fear that they can not find a job that suits their own personality.
35 percent are worried that they can not develop at work.
28 percent are concerned about achieving their own career goals.
Universum press employers to take into account the needs of this generation to show their personality reflected and offer them the chance to develop.

Main career goals:
A good balance between work and home life is very important for this generation. In addition, this generation is seeking a greater amount of security and stability.
In The Netherlands, 53 percent of young people that the work-life balance is a top priority.

Entrepreneurial spirit:
An impressive 55 percent say they are interested in starting your own business.
Employers will have to emphasise autonomy, innovation and entrepreneurship as important values within their organisation.

Recruitment via social media:
83 percent are open to be approached through social media is by a prospective employer.
However, 59 percent indicated that they wish to be confronted with advertisements from employers on social media.