Within the manufacturing industry, members of Gen Z are emerging as dynamic leaders, establishing new guiding principles for the sector as a whole. Bringing their multifaceted blend of digital competency and drive for innovation to the table, these younger professionals are transforming the way manufacturing organizations are structured, and, in the process, teaching us how to embrace change.
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Unlike the generations that have preceded them, Gen Z is motivated by factors beyond pay. Their interest lies in finding work environments that focus on balance, flexibility, purpose, growth and job satisfaction.
In a job sector that has been experiencing steady decline since the late 1970s, Gen Z’s unique outlook may be just what the manufacturing industry needs to reinvent itself and reinvigorate the employee and leadership base.
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An industry in flux
The manufacturing industry has been one marked by constant change over the last 50 years. Automation, evolving technology and shifting attitudes towards work have transformed the industry, resulting in significant changes in operations. From manufacturing organizations sending work overseas for cost reduction to automation replacing positions that were once done by human workers, the modern manufacturing industry looks little, if at all, like the one that employed our parents or grandparents.
Gen Z is typically considered to be comprised of those born between 1996 and 2012 and their entry into the sector has marked a noticeable change. Many of these workers are just starting to move into leadership positions in manufacturing, bringing their unique perspectives with them.
As digital natives who are far more tech-savvy than the generations that preceded them, Gen Z has discovered how to merge technological advancements with growing the stagnant manufacturing sector. In addition, this generation has stepped into leadership positions with strong opinions about flexibility and work-life balance, reshaping the way the entire industry approaches leadership and hiring.
Rethinking structure
Gen Z has entered the workforce, demanding more flexibility and a better work-life balance than previous generations. As a result, many long-held norms within the manufacturing sector are now being challenged, some for the first time in 50 years or more.
For decades, manufacturing has relied on rigid, round-the-clock schedules to meet consumer demands. The inflexible schedules and grueling work associated with manufacturing may have contributed to the sector’s decline as Gen Z entered the workforce.
Now that Gen Z is stepping into leadership roles, the inflexible structure of manufacturing is being reevaluated. Companies have started shifting to offering part-time roles and more flexible schedules. To attract younger workers to manufacturing positions, leaders are highlighting the meaningful aspects of the organization’s work, the flexibility of roles and the career advancement opportunities available through the position.
Gen Z has made it clear that manufacturers need to go beyond just offering more money for positions. They have to consider what the new pool of talent is seeking in their roles to make these positions attractive.
According to studies, manufacturing employees are seeking meaningful roles, flexibility, reliable coworkers and opportunities for career advancement within their roles. Gen Z is leading the way with this shift, causing leadership within older generations to change the way they attract and hire talent.
Led by technology
As digital natives, Gen Z has catalyzed technological change in the manufacturing sector. Technologies such as AI and machine learning have changed the way manufacturing organizations operate, from training to product production and data analysis.
Gen Z’s ease with technology has helped usher in the age of Industry 4.0 in the manufacturing sector. Known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Industry 4.0 incorporates automation, in-depth data analysis and supply chain monitoring, enabling manufacturers to make better decisions for their organizations and grow through improved data analysis. With Gen Z’s digital leadership, manufacturing companies have been able to save money and anticipate customer needs.
Today’s global economy is bigger and more complicated than at any other time in history. The technology leadership and pathway to change brought by Gen Z are necessary for manufacturing organizations to compete on a global scale.
Generation Z has a lot to teach the manufacturing world about structuring the workplace, embracing technological advancements and improving the sector. It’s essential that businesses remain open to change and embrace what Gen Z has to offer.
With their unique vision for the manufacturing industry, Gen Z is bringing about change that could help businesses grow and succeed in the coming years.
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Author Bio:
As seen in Fast Company, Business Insider and BuiltIn, Dr. Laurie Cure, Ph.D., serves as the CEO of Innovative Connections. With a focus on consulting in strategic planning, organizational development, talent management and leadership, Dr. Cure’s expertise in change management and culture evolution empowers her clients to achieve organizational success by enabling them to discover and release their human potential.
Over her 30-year career, Dr. Cure has dedicated herself to realizing strategic visions, collaborating with executives and senior leaders to drive organizational outcomes, and conducting research on pivotal industry issues. She is the author of “Leading without Fear,” a book that addresses workplace fear and has contributed to numerous publications on leadership, coaching, team development and emotions.
Dr. Cure has also served as a Meta-coach for the Daniel Goleman Emotional Intelligence program and as faculty at various universities across the country.