In 2017 we are one year closer to welcoming Generation Z into the workplace. The Millennials (Generation Y) have already established a safe place and are leading the show, now they will need to equip themselves to lead the novice.

With this change in generation, HR will need to begin their groundwork to embrace the new wave of true digital natives (Gen Z) staff. Gen Z is always in constant contact with the digital world and it is almost impossible to isolate them. This new alliance with new talents is not so easy. Recruiters should view the addition of this Generation as a potential organizational disruption and restructure business operations and management to better engage post-millennials.

The contemporary job market sees recruiting teams and managers hiring more contingent workers. In 2015, an Ardent research study highlighted the fact that by 2017 nearly 45% of the global workforce would be contingent workers. The traits that Gen Z carries manifest the fact that they are already being influenced by the working economy of independent contractors, freelancers, consultants, and advisors.

Some particularities that differentiate Gen Z from the rest and guide their preference towards the gig economy are:

• Individuality:

Individuality and the need to stand out are inherent in this Generation. They look for jobs that best suit them and would not settle for anything less. An unsatisfactory job means moving on to the next one.

• Multitasking:

With the uncertainty that always surrounds Generation Z, they are prone to change and with that comes the ability to overcome distractions and the ability to multitask efficiently. The ability to work simultaneously means more hands-on experience with multiple projects and a broader portfolio to showcase.

• High expectations:

Gen Z are innate modernizers with an inquisitive nature to learn and explore. Job satisfaction is more than the paycheck you take home, it’s about comfort, work environment and organizational flexibility. Such a perspective could be the reason why this Generation prefers to be self-employed or work from home, as they can work on their own terms and on their own schedule.

• Benefits of traveling:

Gen Z is global, they are incessant with their worldly connection. The enthusiasm for exploring and traveling makes them more open to jobs around the world and they are always ready to move.

• Technology expert:

With constant updates and being surrounded by digital devices all the time, Gen Z is very tech-savvy. They have the Internet at their fingertips and learning has become effortless. They can adapt easily and are very agile.

The time available now is inadequate, and just around the corner we have a group of determined people hoping to make the world a better place. Now it falls on the shoulders of Human Resources to do their homework and analyze the capacity and possibilities that Generation Z would bring to this hyper-competitive job market.