Workforce: The Next Generation

We’re on the cusp of a new generation of workers. Young people entering the workforce today are, by and large, digital natives. They’ve spent their formative years navigating COVID, and this new world of remote work is the only one they’ve ever known. Like every new generation, they’ll have different values, different expectations and different approaches to their careers. So how do you appeal to the next generation of workers?

In a tight labor market, this talent pool presents a huge opportunity for companies. But with young workers in high demand, you’ve got to stand out. Understanding what students and graduates want from their employers can give you a big leg up. So, what do young workers value? How can employers attract them? And what do they need to succeed in your workplace?

To answer these questions, we turned to Linda Johnson, director of employee relations for the Career Center at Culverhouse at the University of Alabama. Linda has been helping college students and companies connect for 15 years. She sees both perspectives. Together, we explore why young workers are a valuable resource, the most effective recruiting methods, and what you can do to help these employees succeed once they’re inside your company.

So join us as we search for the fountain of youth in a podcast for the ages!

Highlights:

• Meet Linda Johnson (1:49)
• Why investing in young talent is so important (3:11)
• Gen Z strengths (4:54)
• How U of A teaches students soft skills  (5:47)
• Young workers want to add value (8:45)
• Why hybrid work appeals to graduates (9:53)
• Connecting through preferred channels (12:03)
• Successful recruiting strategies (13:10)
• Why companies are recruiting younger (16:18)
• Internships as risk mitigation (17:33)
• How to set students up for success (18:46)
• Getting started with recruitment (20:35)

Links:

• Cadence Bank Website
• Cadence Bank Twitter
• Cadence Bank LinkedIn
• Linda Johnson LinkedIn
• University of Alabama - Culverhouse College of Business
• Deloitte - Understanding Generation Z in the Workplace
• Thought Exchange - Guide to Gen Z at Work
• McKinsey - How does Gen Z see its place in the working world?
• National Association of Colleges and Employers - Best Practices for Internship Programs
• Gallup - Data on Gen Z in the Workplace

Feedback:

If you have questions about the show or topics you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producers, [e-mail] or [e-mail].

What is In Good Companies?

Starting and running a business or managing one isn’t for the faint of heart. You’re balancing internal and external forces in a continually changing landscape. This is where Cadence Bank’s In Good Companies comes in. We share our wealth of knowledge–and insights from noted industry experts–to guide you through the forces shaping business today.

It’s hosted by Patrick Pacheco, an EVP and President of Cadence Asset Management and Trust, who has more than 25 years’ experience and is a self-proclaimed lifelong learner. He leads discussions with business owners and subject matter experts about how they’re tackling business challenges like:

● What are ways to grow my business without growing my debt?
● How can I turn my data into meaningful information?
● Why is company culture more important than ever?

It’s information you need, in one place, in under 30 minutes. More than 250,000 listeners tune in each week. Shouldn’t you?

ABOUT OUR HOST
With more than 25 years’ experience in wealth management for business clients and a penchant for hosting, Patrick Pacheco is an EVP and president of Cadence Asset Management and Trust, and presenter of the bank’s In Good Companies podcast, now in its fourth season.
His background features years of legal practice and multiple degrees, including a Master of Taxation from University of Houston, a law degree from Southern Methodist University, and both a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Economics from University of Texas at Arlington.
Pacheco describes himself as a lifelong learner and someone who loves asking questions–probably the ones you’re thinking about too. He’s especially excited about season four because of the diversity of topics and guests who will not only share their wealth of knowledge, but listeners will also get tips and tricks they can use in their own businesses, careers and professional lives.