"How can they afford not to work?"

I’ve heard all these and more from business owners in the past 30 days. Not surprisingly, they’re having trouble hiring people. 

These conversations are mind-boggling. And it’s the same conversation across the board…industry doesn't matter. Nor does white collar, blue collar, or gray collar. From the looks of things, everyone is having trouble hiring. 

I’m here to tell you: it’s not that “they” don’t want to work. They want to work differently. 

It might be frustrating, but the truth is this: the younger generations don’t think the same way as your older workers. They grew up differently and have a different set of lived experiences. So it’s not surprising that their way of working is different, too. 

Are you offering them what they want in an employment situation? Or are you stuck in the old ways?

I want you to start thinking about what your business will look like in seven years. You might feel like that’s a long time from now, but stay with me. The future will be here before you know it. In my experience with business owners across industries, they’re not ready for today, let alone tomorrow. 

Why seven years? Because around 2030, Generation Alpha will enter the workforce. They’ll be young adults who grew up in a global, digital world. They’re also a smaller generation in terms of sheer numbers. Like Gen Z, we expect the Alphas to know their worth. You’re going to need them more than they’ll need you. 

Here’s what the workforce will look like in 2030:

A few Baby Boomers

1/4 Generation X (born 1965-1979)

1/3 Generation Y (aka Millennials, born 1980-1994)

1/3 Generation Z (born 1995-2009)

1/10 Generation Alpha (born 2010-2024)

This means that by 2030, one in ten of your workers will be Generation Alpha. You won’t be able to ignore them for long. 

Let’s talk about some of the older guys in your current workforce, the Gen Xers (born 1965-1979), and compare them to the up-and-coming Alphas. 

Generation Alpha is considered the most technologically immersed generation in history. They were born into a world where smartphones and tablets are commonplace. As digital natives, they are likely to be highly adept at using technology and acclimating to its rapid advancements.

Think of how technology has changed in just ten years. Remember Myspace? Alphas might not have even heard of it. How about tape decks? VCRs? Those clunky contraptions that Gen X loved will be totally foreign to Generation Alpha. The way we consume entertainment is completely different from the way it was 10, 20, or even 5 years ago. And just like technology, the way we work is different, too.

Gen Xers are likely to draw upon their years of experience in their industry to make informed decisions and problem-solve effectively. They might get frustrated with a younger worker who searches for a YouTube video on how to do a task correctly.

Gen Xers are likely to be comfortable using technology and may embrace digital tools to enhance productivity. But Gen Alpha is the first generation to grow up entirely in the digital age. They are likely to be highly tech-savvy, naturally using various gadgets and software.

And because Gen Alpha is known for its collaborative nature, they’ll be able to take the lead on learning new technology and teaching it to others. In a blue-collar environment like construction, they may thrive in team-oriented tasks, willingly sharing ideas and working together with colleagues.

Another benefit of Gen Alpha is that they grew up in a fast-paced world. They are likely to be adaptable and quick learners, readily adjusting to new processes, technologies, and methods. So after they’ve watched one YouTube video, they may have mastered a technique.

While the needs and desires of Generation Alpha are still taking shape, there are a few points we can be reasonably sure about. 

First, like Gen Z before them, Gen Alpha may desire flexible work arrangements that allow for a better work-life balance. This could include options for remote work, flexible schedules, and the ability to adapt work hours to personal needs. 

What does this mean for you? If you have strict scheduling, you might have to change that to attract the next generation of workers. The old ways won’t work anymore; Generation Z is teaching that to us now. 

Generation Alpha is also expected to place a strong emphasis on meaningful work and making a positive impact. They may be drawn to employers who prioritize sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical practices, seeking opportunities that align with their values and allow them to contribute to the greater good.

Does your business culture emphasize meaningful work? Do you allow your employees to seek work that aligns with their best selves? You’ll need to in order to attract and retain new talent. 

Generation Alpha will be here before you know it. Are you ready for them?