Generation Z are the youth of today, born after the millennials and unlikely to remember a time without the internet. Used to having all the information they need at their fingertips, they are bringing this expectation with them to the workplace. But encouraging Generation Z’s interest in working in the construction industry is becoming crucial as we’re told that 19% of construction workers are set to retire within the next decade, leaving behind a huge skills shortage.
This is not a paywall. Registration allows us to enhance your experience across Construction Management and ensure we deliver you quality editorial content.
Registering also means you can manage your own CPDs, comments, newsletter sign-ups and privacy settings.
So construction companies can make sure they are attractive to Generation Z by incorporating new working policies into their business model. These include:
Flexible working: Employees who have worked for companies for at least 26 weeks are now eligible to request the right for flexible working. This will appeal to Generation Z as they will be able to select the hours that best suit their lifestyle.
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy: Generation Z are accustomed to having access to the information they need, when they need it. They will have the same attitude towards project data within your company. Generation Z will expect to collaborate within your team on their own devices.
Mobile working: Generation Z see work as something to do, rather than somewhere to go. They will not be attracted at the prospect of having to return to the site each day just to enter some data. They will expect the capacity to do all the work they need, from wherever they are.
What are you doing to appeal to Generation Z?
There are other things to consider implementing to ensure your business is appealing to the next generation of UK construction workers. For instance, updating IT systems. Sounds simple and possibly a given, but construction companies need to ensure that their systems have been updated and aligned, enabling Generation Z to connect and find the information they need, wherever they are.
This new generation are never far from technology and they know how to use it most effectively, particularly through the use of apps. Free instant messaging services are a significant form of communication for newer generations – in order to make quick communication with your employees about project progress, subcontractor meetings or a general check-in, you can make use of FaceTime, Skype and WhatsApp.
Generation Z will expect to work for a company that will ensure their time is spent productively but they’ll also be looking for companies that can promise efficiency. Spending precious time on basic spreadsheet processes isn’t time effective for anybody, but specialist automating software definitely holds the answer.
Many companies will want to adopt cloud-based working. Keeping all of your data and information in one, secure place that is accessible to all those that need access will also reduce training time for employees of this generation, as that is the way they have been taught to operate in.
Generation Z and technology go hand in hand. Construction companies that are serious about recruiting the next generation and closing the looming skills shortage need to be willing to change their business model and offering, and by sharing their very modern mindset.
Wes Simmons is managing director of Eque2. A guide to operating a successful company that’s prepared the future is available a from Eque2 , download the free guide here
