Time flies when you’re working. It seems like just yesterday that a new generation entered the workforce, bringing with them fresh ideas and approaches. Gen Z, those aged approximately 16 to 30, introduced new ways of thinking about work-life balance, striving to avoid the burnout experienced by many of their older siblings and parents. However, as Gen Z becomes a well-established part of the workforce, a new generation is poised to make its mark: Generation Alpha.
Born from 2010 onwards, Generation Alpha is about to step into the professional world. The eldest members of this cohort, named as we cycle back to the start of the Greek alphabet after Gen X, Y, and Z, are now 15 years old and beginning to explore entry-level job opportunities. Over the coming years, they will become your newest colleagues, and understanding their unique perspectives and expectations is crucial.
Generation Alpha: The AI Natives
If Millennials were digital immigrants and Gen Z digital natives, Generation Alpha can be considered AI natives. They have grown up in a world where technology is seamlessly integrated into everyday life. For them, the idea of searching for information instead of having it instantly available may seem outdated. By the time they fully enter the workforce, many will have interacted with AI and algorithms from a young age, a stark contrast to the experiences of older generations who are still adjusting to these technological shifts.
As employers prepare to welcome Generation Alpha, it’s important to recognize the distinct characteristics that set them apart. Their approach to work is expected to differ significantly in three key areas: entrepreneurship, mental health awareness, and flexibility.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit
According to research from Visa, more than three-quarters of Generation Alpha express a desire to run their own businesses, with only 13% preferring to work for someone else. This entrepreneurial inclination surpasses that of any previous generation. While necessity may temper these ambitions over time, this marks a significant departure from the current workforce, where 86% are employed by others.
The entrepreneurial spirit of Generation Alpha may lead to a rise in startups and innovative ventures as they seek to carve out their own paths in the professional world. Employers may need to adapt by fostering environments that encourage creativity and innovation to retain these ambitious young workers.
Mental Health Awareness
Generation Alpha has grown up with an unprecedented awareness of mental health issues, both personally and in their surroundings. A UK study conducted by Benenden Health, which surveyed 500 teenagers, found that 77% of Generation Alpha participants emphasized the importance of mental health support in their future workplaces. This factor is a significant consideration when deciding where they want to work.
When asked to choose between mental health support or high pay, more than half of Generation Alpha respondents said both were equally important.
Employers will need to prioritize mental health resources and create supportive environments to attract and retain Generation Alpha employees. This shift in priorities reflects a broader societal trend towards valuing well-being alongside traditional measures of success.
Flexibility as a Core Expectation
Generation Alpha’s expectations for flexibility in the workplace are shaped by the battles fought by previous generations for remote and flexible working arrangements. These expectations are now ingrained in their mindset. The same UK study found that half of Generation Alpha respondents identified flexible working as the most important workplace feature they will seek.
As they enter the workforce, Generation Alpha will look for employers who can offer adaptable work environments that meet their needs. This may include remote work options, flexible hours, and a focus on work-life balance. Companies that fail to provide these options may struggle to attract and retain this new generation of workers.
Preparing for the Future
As Generation Alpha begins to enter the workforce, employers must be ready to meet their expectations for entrepreneurial opportunities, mental health support, and flexibility. The transition from Gen Z to Generation Alpha represents a new chapter in the evolving landscape of work, one that requires adaptability and forward-thinking strategies.
Tim Duggan, author of “Work Backwards: The Revolutionary Method to Work Smarter and Live Better,” highlights the importance of understanding these shifts. In his regular newsletter, Duggan explores how workplaces can evolve to meet the needs of future generations.
As the first Generation Alpha employees arrive, businesses will need to assess their current practices and consider how they can create environments that align with the values and expectations of this new generation. The future of work is here, and it’s time to embrace the changes it brings.
