Gen Z Employees in the Workforce

Gen Z Employees in the Workforce

by

Colette Kemp

Co-Chair, IFDF PR/Outreach Committee

Principal, Kemp Funeral Group

As the youngest generation in the workforce,

Gen Z brings a unique perspective and set of skills to the funeral profession.

As the youngest generation in the workforce, Gen Z brings a unique perspective and set of skills to any funeral home. Born between the years 1997 and 2012, Gen Zers grew up in a world of rapid technological advancement, economic uncertainty, and social upheaval. As a result, they have developed a distinctive set of values, expectations, and work habits that can be immensely beneficial to any organization. In this article, we'll explore some of the advantages of hiring Gen Z employees.

Tech-Savvy

Photo by Zana Latif on Unsplash

One of the most significant advantages of hiring Gen Z employees is their comfort with technology. They have grown up in a world where digital devices, social media platforms, and mobile apps are an integral part of everyday life. This means that they are often more tech-savvy than older generations and are familiar with the latest software and tools.

For funeral homes that wish to provide digital communication options to consumers, these team members will be valuable as there will be no learning curve from traditional methods to digital. This saves time, money, and team frustration, as we move forward to modernizing death care to meet consumer needs.

Gen Z employees can bring their expertise in technology to a funeral home and help improve processes and workflows. They may also be more comfortable with remote work and virtual collaboration, which has become increasingly important in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This creates an opportunity to be competitive as an employer by possibly offering some type of hybrid work where possible.

Fresh Perspective

Gen Z employees often have a fresh perspective on how businesses can operate and can bring new ideas to the table. They are generally more open to innovation and change, which can help a funeral home stay competitive. Their unique experiences and perspectives can also provide valuable insights into the preferences and behaviors of younger consumers.

Multitasking

Gen Zers are known for their ability to multitask and handle multiple projects simultaneously. They are used to juggling school, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and social media accounts, all while maintaining a high level of productivity. This skill can be particularly valuable in fast-paced work environments where employees need to be able to switch between tasks quickly.

Diversity

Photo by Good Faces on Unsplash

Gen Z is the most diverse generation yet, with a range of backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultures. This diversity can be a significant advantage for funeral homes that value inclusivity and want to better understand and cater to a diverse customer base.

Entrepreneurial Spirit

Many Gen Zers have an entrepreneurial spirit and are interested in starting their own businesses. This means that they are often creative, innovative, and willing to take risks. They may also be more willing to experiment with new ideas and approaches, which can lead to innovation within the funeral profession in general.

In conclusion, hiring Gen Z employees can bring numerous benefits to a funeral home. They are tech-savvy, have a fresh perspective, are adept at multitasking, bring diversity to the workplace, and have an entrepreneurial spirit. By leveraging these strengths, funeral homes can stay competitive and better serve their customers in an ever-changing business landscape.

No matter if we like it or not, change is essential. Your Gen Z employees might just be the ones to help you gain a different perspective and manage changes more effectively.

To get the most out of them, why not ask for their opinion?

The next time an issue arises, or when you're interviewing a Gen Z candidate for a job, give it a try; their answers might surprise you.