The workforce has undergone a great deal of change in recent years. As Peak 65 arrives, record numbers of baby boomers are deciding to retire. At the same time, Gen Z, which is the generational title for those born between 1997 and 2010, is still trying to fight against narratives that they are unmotivated, entitled, and lack the soft skills necessary for high performance and career success.
For HR leaders who feel as though they are finally starting to make headway with the current generation, it’s important to know that the shift isn’t over. In the next few years, Gen Alpha will be entering the workforce. Ensuring that they’re successful and equipped to fully contribute to organizational success will likely require a change in both mindset and strategy. Here’s what you can do to prepare now for the next generation of professionals.
What’s the Big Deal About Gen Alpha?
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 84% of hiring managers have already decided that Gen Alpha isn’t ready for work. If you thought working with Gen Z was a challenge, 80% of hiring managers believe that Gen Alpha is even less prepared than Gen Z was.
Many describe Gen Alpha as being “chronically online,” which means many of them lack the social skills to interact well with customers and colleagues. Others feel that a constant stream of fast-paced digital exposure has made them impatient and unable to demonstrate the focus needed for high performance.
Still, their affinity for the digital world has made them technologically savvy and highly adaptable. They also move through life with a great deal of empathy, which means they’re adept at demonstrating inclusivity.
If you’re an HR leader, your success with Gen Alpha will hinge on your ability to leverage these positive traits while helping them develop the skills needed for excelling in the workplace.
3 Strategies to Prepare for Gen Alpha’s Arrival
If you’re anticipating the arrival of young workers in the next few years, it’s best to take a proactive approach in preparing for success. Here’s what you can do now to help Gen Alpha integrate into your workplace.
1. Adapt Your Approach to Training and Development
The consensus is that today’s high school graduates aren’t at all ready for the workforce. This may not be great for a generation that is becoming increasingly skeptical that college is worth it.
In a generation without degrees and the skills necessary to enter the workforce, it may now be up to HR leaders to create their own talent pipelines to ensure readiness. This may mean leaning into internships and other training programs for young people looking to make the leap into the professional world. This can help you spot exceptional candidates who are worth investing in so you can hire them early and offer additional education to get them up to speed.
2. Build a Culture of Real-Time Communication and Feedback
Gen Alpha’s world moves at the speed of light, and it’s important that your company does the same. Since young people are used to instant communication, use this to your advantage and consider shifting to a model that prioritizes real-time feedback as well as immediate recognition for good work and values-aligned behavior.
This may mean ditching the annual review for daily or weekly coaching moments that focus on creating solutions for today’s roadblocks. It also means you don’t need extravagant awards ceremonies to celebrate your employees. Quick thank-you notes and shout-outs in real time can often mean more to members of Gen Alpha.
3. Focus on the Needs and Strengths of Your Workforce
Gen Alpha is highly adaptable and technologically savvy. Now may be a good time to ensure your workplace is keeping up. Do you have a strategy for incorporating artificial intelligence? Do you have concrete policies in place for handling flexible work? If not, you’ll definitely want to focus on these things, as they are important for meeting the needs and harnessing the strengths of the next generation.
Let Us Help You Find Success Both Now and in the Future
While Gen Alpha’s arrival in the workplace may be a few years away, it’s important to prepare now for the shift. Fortunately, AssetHR’s team of experts can help you create a successful culture that works for every generation of your workforce.
From skill and leadership development to developing sound policies, we’ll support you in meeting your employees’ needs. Contact us today to discover how our experts can assist you as you seek to build a strong work environment.