Writer: Gabriela Enamorado
2 min read August 2023 — Atlanta leaders are working to stay ahead of the game to attract and retain the younger generation entering the job market. Focus: spoke to a few of the region’s leading executives about their analysis of and recruitment efforts toward the incoming Gen Z workforce.
Generation Z, the generation born between 1997 and 2012, are starting their careers in a unique time — a time of growing inflation, rising interest rates, housing crisis, social unrest and economic uncertainty. Generation Z is expected to make up around 30% of the workforce by 2030, according to John Hopkins University, and businesses are learning and adapting to what these new professionals want and need. From DEI initiatives, flexible work schedules and an emphasis on career growth, leaders are focused on the new generation of the labor force.
Work environment differences between generations
Jâlie Cohen, Group SVP and Head of Global Talent, Adecco Group
“We’re currently in a work environment that features five generations with vastly distinct experiences, from Baby Boomers who grew up in offices without computers, to Generation Z who literally took entire college courses on their smartphones. As a result, we are highly focused on intergenerational engagement. Everyone is facing a new work reality with remote and hybrid options, and everyone’s needs are different. It’s crucial to understand the nuance of working across these generations, and find ways for each generation to collaborate and have the resources they need to be successful in today’s workforce.”
Reaching the younger generation through recruitment
Jon Tomberlin, Managing Partner, Atlanta-Birmingham, FORVIS
“It is a competitive landscape out there. We’re continuing to increase our connection with college campuses across the country. The number of college accounting degrees is dwindling and that’s concerning in the market. With investment in college campuses, we are doing what we can to strengthen our connection with college students and hopefully help them forge a career in accounting. We’re putting a premium on our inclusion and diversity efforts. It’s no secret that accounting as a whole has not traditionally been the most diverse industry. We’re working hard and doing what we can to be able to help our people feel that they’re included, improve our diversity and be able to make sure that we’ve got opportunities for everyone. Another area that we’ve been able to really develop is what we call TALENT SHIFT. TALENT SHIFT is a new FORVIS subsidiary that taps into the gig economy in that it understands that people may not want to have a full-time job working 12 months a year, but they may want to work on a specific engagement for a period of time and then have some time off. With TALENT SHIFT, we have a pool of individuals with various skill sets to choose from that can help with specific client needs.”
Gen Z and the banking industry
Joe Brannen, President & CEO, Georgia Bankers Association
“We’ve got such a good story to tell that banking is a great career. We really try to help young professionals understand they can be part of an organization that makes their communities better, and there’s a real team atmosphere in the banking workforce. One conduit for attracting new talent to the banking industry is our relationship with three universities. At the University of Georgia, for example, we have a chair of banking who helps us stay involved with university faculty and students. We do the same thing with Georgia Southern University and Valdosta State University, where we host symposiums that involve the faculty of those universities, connecting them and their students with local bankers. Many of our member bankers participate in university career fairs as well.”
Gen Z and succeeding in construction
Ryan Bixler, Executive Vice President, HITT Contracting
“I started as a laborer, cleaning up toilets and trash and sweeping floors. I tell the new group that they shouldn’t think anything is beneath them. You sometimes have to do things that aren’t fun, and it won’t be great in the beginning. I remember telling people that I don’t have a job, I have a career. If it is just a job, you are setting yourself up for failure. You have to ask questions and soak up as much as you can. You will get out of the experience what you put into it. If you aren’t willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done and safely, then this might not be the best industry for you.”
