BLOG: What do ‘Gen-Z’ agents want from their estate agency jobs?
The Able Agent’s Catherine Calvert looks at how Generation-Z are integrating into the agency workplace and how employers are adapting to the new cohort.
Generation Z (Gen-Z), classed as those born between 1997-2010, has never known a life without technology and over the past year I have been watching how estate agency bosses and managers are adapting to this new intake.
They are ambitious and confident digital natives similar to those pictured, who are hugely motivated by long-term academic success as well as their job prospects. They also keenly monitor their physical and psychological health, as well as social competence.
Naturally, the demands and expectations of generations evolve. A recent poll to our property apprentice cohort highlighted that this generation really focuses on work-life balance. They want to see property career progression, job security and financial stability, while ensuring that their jobs don’t take over their lives.
When it comes to their roles within estate agencies, they would like to see job variation coupled with structured learning to support career progression. Many commented on the fact that they would be happy to work in ‘challenging yet rewarding roles’.
NO FEARS
Gen-Z is also a vocal one; they are happy to voice their opinions and requests more openly. This generation has no fears when it comes to requesting extra time or additional help to complete a task.
As an example, one of the apprentices in our cohort joined an agency a few months ago. It has become clear that his digital marketing skills are strong, and that he is happier and more comfortable asking to do this type of work.
Sales negotiator responsibilities weren’t encouraging him to pursue an agency career, but now taking on a digital marketing role he is able to see the real value and support he provides to the valuations team and is embracing the prospect of an estate agency career, albeit in a marketing role.
Employers must clearly set out what is needed and how key objectives can be met.”
Gen-Z is incredibly in tune with their mental health. They are aware of their anxieties and are more comfortable than previous generations with sharing details on this. Given the fast-pace of the property industry, employers must clearly set out what is needed and how working together – as a team – key objectives and goals can be met.
A successful integration of generations within an agency needs to be well-managed because it’s a learning curve for everyone as they navigate the changing workplace landscape.
RECRUITMENT
In my opinion success for all parties relies on the overall recruitment process. Agents should be reviewing how they conduct their job interviews and identifying techniques they may need to adopt for managing the recruitment of Gen-Z. For example, how well is the theme of mental health addressed and discussed at the job interview stage?
Education has a vital part to play.”
Education has a vital part to play. As an industry, I believe we should be raising our game and placing real focus around visiting local schools and colleges to educate pupils on the sector in a bid to recruit talent. Now is the time to be seeking out school leavers and addressing tactics for the year ahead, for example through attending careers fairs.
Offering short agency courses for apprentices is also a good way to harness them with necessary office and agency skills, whist at the same time giving them a flavour of what the work may entail.
Finding a candidate with the right attitude is key, and then investing time in them to make sure you see the results is vital.
Catherine Calvert is business development (property) at The Able Agent
Interesting, I am noticing that Gen Z, do not ‘work’ like previous generation – it is hard to describe, they do not like privation, and everything is now now, maybe it is a better life they lead, more balanced, less drone like, but very tricky to fit them into a consumer facing industry where that consumer is pushing 24/7 for service. A clash of cultures.
And the cult of the individual Vs the needs and wants of companies and their core cultures is playing out too. I am 100% up for WFH, less hours etc, but all this happens if companies are digital businesses, as loading all operations on humans in an analogue way will just see more vacancies arising.