Meeting Gen-Z Where They Are: Becky Frankiewicz, President North America at ManpowerGroup
Dec 20, 2024
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Becky Frankiewicz, Chief Commercial Officer and President North America at ManpowerGroup, sheds light on the challenges Gen-Z faces in today's workforce. She discusses their feelings of disconnection and workplace stress, emphasizing their high expectations from employers. The conversation touches on how AI is transforming entry-level jobs and highlights the importance of mental well-being. Becky also reveals promising job opportunities in skilled trades, while encouraging resilience and adaptability among young professionals.
Gen-Z exhibits heightened workplace stress due to disconnection, yet their resilience allows them to maintain high expectations from employers.
Despite being digital natives, Gen-Z faces a challenging job market and prioritizes work-life balance, seeking careers that align with their personal values.
Deep dives
The Role of Reverse Mentorship
Gen Z is influencing older generations through a process known as reverse mentorship, where younger individuals share their knowledge of contemporary culture and technology with their parents. This includes sharing new music, social media trends, and evolving language, highlighting how Gen Z has a different way of communicating, often using acronyms and phrases that older generations may not understand. Additionally, parents express their admiration for the insight their children provide, recognizing that they have much to learn from the younger generation's experiences and perspectives. This dynamic creates a reciprocal relationship that enriches both sides, allowing for a better understanding of modern life.
Challenges in Career Navigation
Finding stable employment has become increasingly difficult for Gen Z, even for those with strong educational backgrounds. Many face an uncertain job market, compounded by the competitive landscape that has intensified since the pandemic. Research indicates that a significant percentage of Gen Z workers plan to leave their jobs within a short timeframe, underscoring their unease about job security and workplace fulfillment. This generation seeks not only employment but also careers that align with their values and provide a clear path for personal and professional growth.
The Value of Work-Life Balance
Gen Z prioritizes work-life balance differently than previous generations, valuing meaningful personal experiences alongside their professional lives. They aim for flexibility and autonomy in their jobs, often favoring arrangements that allow for remote work and personal time. Contrary to beliefs that they are not hardworking, this generation is willing to put in effort as long as their work fulfills their needs for life outside the office. Additionally, their unique perspectives on work satisfaction reflect a growing trend to separate identity from work, focusing instead on personal values and experiences.
Tech-Savvy but Overwhelmed
Despite being the first digital natives, Gen Z often feels overwhelmed by the vast array of options and information available to them. Their upbringing during a time of global instability and the pandemic has left many feeling disconnected and uncertain about their future. This technological fluency offers them advantages, but it also heightens feelings of stress and pressure to succeed. With a strong need for connection and belonging, Gen Z grapples with the balance of leveraging technology for social interaction while navigating personal and professional relationships.
Becky Frankiewicz is the Chief Commercial Officer, President North America at ManpowerGroup, a global leader in staffing and recruitment. In this episode, Becky discusses the overwhelming nature of the Gen-Z experience, highlighting their increased susceptibility to workplace stress stemming from feelings of disconnection. She delves into the underlying reasons for this generation's sense of frustration and emphasizes how their resilience could be advantageous. Despite feeling disempowered, Gen-Z maintains elevated expectations for their employers and is unafraid to express these demands. Becky also examines the implications of artificial intelligence on traditional "entry-level" positions. This generation is forging its own path and does not view success as a straightforward journey. She shares the bright spots in today’s job market, as seen in Manpower’s real-time data.
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