The New Generation Z of Workers

The New Generation Z of Workers in Industrial and Warehouse Roles: What They Expect from Employers

The workforce is evolving, and with every new generation comes a shift in workplace culture, expectations, and priorities. For companies in the industrial and warehouse sectors, understanding the needs of today’s younger workers, primarily Generation Z is crucial to attracting and retaining top talent. This new generation brings fresh perspectives, digital fluency, and a different approach to work than their predecessors. In this article, we’ll explore what sets Generation Z apart, their unique expectations from employers, and how companies in the industrial and warehouse sectors can adapt to meet these new demands.

Who Are Generation Z?
Generation Z refers to individuals born roughly between 1997 and 2012, meaning many of them are now entering the workforce. They’ve grown up in a digital world, are accustomed to rapid technological change, and have a different outlook on work compared to Millennials or Gen X workers.

In the industrial and warehouse sectors, these young workers bring a fresh energy and mindset, but they also have specific expectations about how they want to work and what they want from employers.

Key Characteristics of Generation Z in the Workplace

1. Digital Natives
Generation Z is the first truly “digital native” generation. They have grown up with smartphones, the internet, and social media, which makes them highly comfortable with technology. They’re used to instant communication, expect efficiency, and often look for ways to incorporate technology into their work.
• What This Means for Employers: Warehouse and industrial companies should be prepared to use more technology in their daily operations. Automation, data tracking, and digital tools that enhance efficiency will resonate with this generation. Providing tools such as real-time communication platforms, digital scheduling apps, or training modules will appeal to Gen Z workers.

2. Value-Driven and Purpose-Oriented
Unlike previous generations that may have prioritised job security or salary, Generation Z places a high value on finding work that aligns with their personal values. They care about sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical business practices.
• What This Means for Employers: Companies in the industrial sector can attract and retain Gen Z workers by being transparent about their values. Emphasising corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, sustainability practices, and ethical labour policies can make your company more attractive to this generation. For example, highlighting eco-friendly supply chains or ethical sourcing practices may resonate with young workers.

3. Work-Life Balance Matters
Generation Z grew up watching Millennials strive for work-life balance, and they’ve taken that concept to heart. This generation values flexible working conditions and a healthy balance between work and personal life. While the industrial and warehouse sectors may not offer traditional remote work options, it’s still important to find ways to offer flexibility where possible.
• What This Means for Employers: While remote work may not be feasible in industrial settings, employers can offer flexible shift patterns, opportunities for part-time roles, and options for rotating shifts. Providing time-off benefits, mental health support, and ensuring that workloads are manageable are also key to meeting Gen Z’s expectations.

4. Focus on Learning and Development
Generation Z craves continuous learning and opportunities for growth. They are ambitious and want to feel like they are progressing in their careers. Training and development opportunities play a significant role in attracting these young workers to the industrial and warehouse sectors.
• What This Means for Employers: Offering structured training programs, apprenticeships, or mentorship opportunities is essential to retaining Gen Z talent. Companies can also promote the possibility of internal mobility and advancement to encourage long-term commitment. By offering skill-building workshops or access to certification programs, employers can demonstrate their investment in the growth of their workers.

5. Job Security and Financial Stability
While previous generations were more concerned with climbing the corporate ladder, Generation Z is entering the workforce during a time of economic uncertainty. As a result, they place a high value on job security and financial stability. They are more risk-averse when it comes to changing jobs and want reassurance that their positions are stable.
• What This Means for Employers: Offering competitive pay, stable hours, and benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, or even financial literacy workshops can help attract Gen Z workers to your company. Providing clear pathways for permanent roles or longer-term contracts also meets their desire for security.

In our next article we’ll explore the employment attraction of Generation Z.

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Chloe Jackson, Recruitment Consultant

Chloe joined Premier Placement in 2022, following a previous role as a customer facing advisor. During her initial probationary period, her willingness to learn and absorb all things recruitment was very impressive, along with her ‘can do’ attitude. Chloe now works alongside experienced consultants within our industrial division and is developing into a team asset.

Chosen Value: Integrity
I would choose ‘integrity’ as it is important to show we can build trust with our clients and employees, creating lifelong relationships. It shows we possess attributes such as accountability, honesty, respect, and loyalty.

 

Daniel Ledwards, Recruitment Consultant

Daniel joined Premier Placement Services in October 2018 as a Trainee Consultant.  After an initial 3-month probation, he impressed everyone with his enthusiasm, attention to detail and professionalism. This led him to be fast tracked into a career within the recruitment industry which he has excelled at ever since.

Chosen Value: Consistency
I like to think I’m consistently honest with both our temps and clients, consistently aiming to place the best quality temps within roles that match their skills and capabilities. I believe in our company mantra “You’re only as good as your last temp!”

#thefuture

John Simpson, Compliance Manager

John joined the Drivers and Logistics Division with a wealth of experience  spanning over 30 years within the transport and logistics sector. Holding a National CPC in Road Transport Management, IOSH and Nebosh health and safety qualifications, his range of skills was a perfect match for Premier Placement Services.

John has an excellent rapport with our drivers. John’s skills, experience and knowledge enables him to put forward the best candidate for the role, and has excellent knowledge of driver compliance training, audits, and the investigation of incidents and infringements.

Working within the fast-paced Drivers and Logistics Division, he is a very hands-on transport professional.  Ensuring compliance and best practice is always adhered to, has propelled Premier Placement’s Drivers and Logistics Division, into a leading supplier of quality drivers resulting in an excellent reputation with our ever-growing number of clients.

Chosen Value: Professionalism
I pride myself on the requirements and responsibilities that my role in recruitment asks of me. Professionalism is at the heart of what I do, from understanding the roles to be filled, to the necessary skills of the right driver, as well as an appreciation of the client’s ethos. Professionalism means to me ensuring the drivers we provide consistently deliver to our high standards of expectation, shift after shift.

Liz Harper, Accounts Administrator

Liz has been the face of Premier Placement Services since 2006 – providing front of house support for the team and visitors to the office. Liz works in a fast-paced environment fielding calls, meeting and greeting, preparing candidates for interviews and keeping client records updated.

Chosen Value: Consistency
“Working within the payroll department I ensure all workers’ details are correctly inputted into government and internal payroll systems.  Eye to detail and a zero tolerance on mistakes ensures people get paid correctly and on time.  I believe I consistently produce these results.”

Anna Hammersley, Accounts Payroll Clerk

Anna joined Premier Placement Services as a Payroll Clerk.  She is responsible for the payroll processing system, issuing pay and pay-related information to workers, collecting weekly timekeeping data, ensuring all weekly paid staff receive accurate and timely payments.

Anna has an excellent ‘can do’ attitude, an eye for detail and a bubbly personality to match making her the perfect Premier Placement fit.

Chosen Value: Integrity
I believe that being honest and having strong moral principles promotes open and honest relationships in business and life building foundations of trust.

Steven Bowler, Recruitment Consultant

Steven joined Premier Placement from after 24 years within mobile phone retail. The experience of having recruited staff throughout his career and looking after high-volume accounts for national companies, made his transferrable skills into the recruitment industry a total asset. Steven has a passion for customer excellence to succeed in a fast- paced industrial operation so he exceeds expectation.

Chosen Value: Consistency
‘Having run my own business for over 20 years, I would like to think I have carried forward the high standards that clients and candidates need from a company. I treat the business as if it was my own and always want what’s best for the business and like to think I represent the company in an approachable and professional manner.”

Simon Arnold, Operations Manager

Simon has been with Premier Placement Services since 2016. After successfully managing our Industrial and Driving divisions, he has naturally progressed to the role of Operations Manager.Simon continuously develops our services for our established client base, ensuring the smooth running of the business. He engages, coaches, and supports a team of highly trained consultants, delivering consistent recruitment excellence.Chosen Value: Integrity Integrity is my pick as I think it is one of my greatest assets and it never fails. It is the most important ingredient for client relationships which I am passionate about and all my clients know what they get with me.

Craig Hammersley, Industrial Regional Manager

Craig is a very experienced recruitment professional having worked in the recruitment industry with Premier Placement Services for more than 20 years. Matching the right candidate to the right job is his everyday obsession, something very few recruiters get consistently right.  Craig stated the importance of detailed interviewing, character assessment, skills testing and candidate referencing which makes clients and candidates choose Premier Placement Services over other agencies, time after time.

Chosen Value: Integrity
We pride ourselves on being honest and honourable, with everyone we do business with, leading to lasting relationships and unfaltering results. Building trust is a key component to lasting business relationships and is a major factor of continuing dialogue with clients who give us repeat business based on the integrity of who they are dealing with.

Tim Evans, Industrial Regional Manager

Tim joined Premier Placement in 2003, having previously worked in a heavily regulated customer services managerial role, thus proving an instant hit with both clients and candidates alike.

Trained to the highest standards within recruitment practise, Tim is a valuable asset to the success of Premier Placement Services. Now managing our industrial division, he mentors new recruits, and his clients welcome his advice along with his intuitive recruitment solutions.

Chosen Value: Professionalism.
I have been here 2 decades and always work to get the best fit for both client, temp and Premier Placement Services.

Jo Jeneson, Accounts Manager

Jo joined Premier Placement Services in 2008, initially as a Commercial Consultant. She’s now moved behind the scenes into her current role where she is responsible for both the payroll and accounting functions of the business. By gaining a full understanding of all aspects of the business she is perfectly placed to ensure the clients’ accounting process runs as smoothly as their recruitment programme.

Chosen value: Integrity.
I pride myself on my honesty and truthfulness in my work process.  Working within our Accounts Department, it is imperative to be honest and transparent, whilst maintaining high standards and results. I feel honesty is crucial in both our business and personal life.

Ria Harper, Finance Manager

Ria is responsible for the day-to-day accounting functions whilst maintaining a healthy back office function. Applying her enthusiasm for efficiency and accuracy ensures the clients accounting process runs seamlessly.

Chosen value: Consistency
Being consistent in your work can help you build a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy professional. You can do this by consistently delivering high-quality work and meeting deadlines.

Jonathon Harper

Just short of 30 years’ experience in the recruitment industry, Managing Director Jonathan puts customer service excellence at the heart of everything that Premier Placement Services does. Since founding the business in 1996, his ethos has always been to ‘place the right person for the job’ rather than just placing ‘anyone that happens to be available’. He firmly believes that this is the key to the success of the business. ‘We are only as good as our last placement’ are the words that Jonathan believes sets the company apart from others. His approach to providing unrivalled customer service, support, supplying the most talented candidates for each position and developing on-going relationships with both candidates and clients remain the core values to the business.

 

Chosen Value: Integrity
Integrity involves being honest and honourable, as well as treating people with respect. I believe if you naturally do this then it builds mutual trust and genuine, lasting relationships. This has been my experience with my team, two employees have been with me for 20 years, when other agencies have staff retention issues. Similarly, some of our clients have been with Premier Placement since our beginning, I think this demonstrates why integrity has been fundamental to our success.