This generation is very new to the workforce. In fact, the majority has not had a job yet as they are all eighteen and younger at the time of this writing. However, it is important to know how to adapt to this generation as they are starting to enter the workforce and many people communicate with this generation daily on a personal level.
This generation experiences a tremendous amount of uncertainty in their early lives. From the economic downturn in the late 2000s and school and concert shootings, this generation cares about security. This security is important on both a physical but also on a professional level; they want to make sure that they have professional stability. They care about making a difference, but not to the extent of Generation Y, the Millennial Generation.
There is some concern about this generation’s ability to connect with people on a long-term social level, mainly due to technological and social media advances. However, they do have a preference for face-to-face communication, so even if they do not come with that skill to the workplace, they can learn and adapt to it. Additionally, they are competitive and good multitaskers. They also have an entrepreneurial and independent spirit; they want to be in charge of their own projects and start their own companies. They are also looking into different ways to get their education that do not involve higher education and student debt. They are an imaginative generation with an intellectual curiosity.
Generation Z is the most diverse and open-minded generation, which means that they bring a plethora of ideas, background, concepts, and experiences. Leaders can utilize their diverse base to foster diversity of thought, practice, and skills at organizations. Including this generation as interns and entry-level workers is a good start to begin the process of mentoring this generation while learning from everything they bring to the organizational table.
-Lotte Mulder earned her Master’s of Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2013, where she focused on Leadership and Group Development. She’s currently working toward a PhD in Organizational Leadership. At ASCP, Lotte designs and facilitates the ASCP Leadership Institute, an online leadership certificate program. She has also built ASCP’s first patient ambassador program, called Patient Champions, which leverages patient stories as they relate to the value of the lab.
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