Move Over, Gen Z: Generation Alpha Joins the Generational Workforce Chat

As I drove home from work recently I decided to check in on my twelve-year-old daughter by giving her a call on her cell phone. Instead of answering my call, she let it go to straight to voicemail. She then responded with a simple text asking, “what?” Initially, the Gen X dad in me felt a mix of anger and jealousy, reminiscing about the days when I was her age in the early 90’s and we still relied on a clunky rotary wall phone in our kitchen. However, once I moved past my confusion at my daughter’s “what?” text, I realized that this was just one of the quirks valued by her generation — a preference for quick texts over lengthy phone calls with dad. As an HR professional who champions positive cross-generational collaboration in the workplace, I recognized that I had some catching up to do with this new generation that will one day be in the workforce: Generation Alpha.

My exploration of Generation Alpha began in July 2011, with the arrival of my daughter, Zoey. Little did I know that I was cradling one of the earliest members of this generation. A few years later, in 2014, my son Brooks was born and joined the ranks of Generation Alpha. Growing up amidst the tumult of our time, particularly the unprecedented challenges of the 2020 Covid pandemic, I witnessed firsthand through my two young children, the resilience and adaptability that would become hallmarks of Generation Alpha. Observing my children’s growth, I’m intrigued by Generation Alpha. One minute they are choreographing TikTok dance videos, the next they are using their humorus creativity to challenge each other to card games like “Kids Against Maturity” (the children’s version of “Cards Against Humanity”). What makes this generation so different? I felt compelled to investigate.

Becoming an HR professional deepened my understanding of the significance of comprehending each generation of worker to effectively recruit, engage, and retain them. While it’s essential to acknowledge that not everyone born within a defined “generation” will act identically, understanding the values shaped by each generation’s member’s unique life experiences during infancy, adolescence, and early adulthood is immensely valuable. From Baby Boomers to Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, each generation brings its own set of life experiences that shape their values and work approach. Generation Alpha, poised to enter the workforce after 2028, warrants particular attention as we explore the characteristics that will define them as a distinct and remarkable generation.

Defining Generation Alpha:

As a toddler in Gen X during the early 1980’s, you would likely find me still mastering the art of walking. However, at the same age Generation Alpha is already navigating iPads, using block coding apps such as “Scratch” to create video games, and crafting Spotify playlists. Born between 2011 and 2025, Generation Alpha is raised predominantly by Millennial parents (although exceptions exist like in my case, with a Gen X dad and Millennial mom), they’re often referred to as the “Pandemic generation,” having spent their formative years amidst the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Generation Alpha vs. Gen Z

Generation Alpha stands on the cusp of a new era, distinct from their predecessors in Generation Z (born 1997–2010). While Gen Z grew up amid the rapid expansion of digital technology, Generation Alpha is born into a world where technology is not just ubiquitous but deeply integrated into every aspect of life from the outset. Unlike Gen Z, who witnessed the rise of social media and smartphones, Gen Alpha navigates a landscape where virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality are the norm rather than the exception. Their upbringing amidst the challenges of the 2020 pandemic and the subsequent acceleration of digitalization has forged them into a generation that is not just tech-savvy but tech-native, with an innate understanding of digital platforms and their potential. As such, they are poised to be not just consumers of technology but agents of change, leveraging their digital fluency and global perspective to tackle the pressing challenges of the 21st century.

Potential Strengths of Generation Alpha

1. Tech Savvy: Generation Alpha is fluent in technology, effortlessly transforming VR and AI devices into tools for innovation and creativity. As a forty+ year old dad, they’ve become my personal IT department, with my nine-year-old teaching me how to Airdrop photos using my iPhone (I know, embarrassing, right?).
2. Adaptability: Much like chameleons, Generation Alpha readily embraces change, skillfully navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the digital world. I witnessed this firsthand during the COVID-19 pandemic as my two young children transitioned to remote learning while still in elementary school. Also consider the amount of information at their fingertips — they have adapted their skillsets to be quick consumers of content.
3. Creativity: Generation Alpha knows no bounds when it comes to unleashing their creative potential. They’re already proficient in editing videos on TikTok and curating content for their own YouTube channels. “Like and subscribe, Dad,” as Brooks likes to remind me about his YouTube channel. They are already adept at video editing software like Adobe and CapCut and even publish engaging “how-to” videos on YouTube to help those of older generations like myself use the applications (a unique example of “reverse mentoring” perhaps?).

Potential Weaknesses of Generation Alpha

1. Short Attention Spans: In a world of constant stimulation, Generation Alpha faces the challenge of maintaining focus amidst a sea of distractions. This rings true for many, as I often find myself struggling to pry my Gen Alpha kids away from their devices and engage in face-to-face conversations at the dinner table about their day. As future employers, tailoring training and communication styles that will engage and reach them as future employees due to this concern will be critical. You’ll likely need more than PowerPoints and pizza to engage them.
2. Dependency on Technology: While their technological prowess is impressive, Generation Alpha must also recognize the value of face-to-face communication and interpersonal skills. My son’s experience of attending kindergarten entirely online in 2021, and continuing with virtual learning, undoubtedly impacts his ability to communicate effectively in person and develop soft skills they way previous generations have.
3. Instant Gratification: Patience is a virtue that Generation Alpha must cultivate in a world where everything is available at the touch of a button. I still remember the 90’s era of “dial-up” internet and waiting for someone to get off the phone to use the internet. Although Google and TikTok have confirmed the dial-up era actually happened, my daughter still doesnt believe me when I say this era actually existed. That said, if Gen Alpha needs an answer to a question today, they can usually find it in less than 30 seconds — without my help.
4. Information Overload: With an abundance of information at their fingertips, Generation Alpha must learn to sift through the noise to find meaningful content. However, due the emerging technologies that present this challenge, this also presents a silver lining. Gen Alpha will likely develop exceptional skills in quickly sorting and synthesizing data using the array of new tools at their disposal, such as AI.

Recruitment, Engagement, and Retention Strategies

1. Recruitment: To attract Generation Alpha talent, organizations may need to showcase their culture and values through engaging and interactive channels. While financial compensation remains important, this generation also prioritizes the impact of their work on the world around them. Being so globally connected also lends them to being globally conscious when it comes to the environmental and ethical impact of their future work on the world as a whole.
2. Engagement: Generation Alpha craves immersive and dynamic experiences. Employers may need to leverage gamification and virtual reality to keep them engaged. Indeed, Virtual Reality is poised to become a significant aspect of the future workforce, particularly in training and project collaboration. My own children are already avid users of their MetaQuest VR headset, highlighting the potential for such technology to engage Generation Alpha, particularly in training and development initiatives.
3. Retention: Providing opportunities for growth, mentorship, and a flexible work environment will be crucial in retaining Generation Alpha talent. These generations want to know there is a “light” at the end of the tunnel for career growth. If they feel there is no next step for their career at your company, they may take their next step at another company.

Partnering with Parents and Schools

1. Career Guidance Programs: As an employer, collaborating with local schools to offer career guidance programs is essential in preparing Generation Alpha for the workforce. It’s crucial for companies with strong community ties to participate in job and career fairs at local high schools, demonstrating to this generation that there are ample opportunities for rewarding careers immediately after high school. When Gen Alpha graduates form the high schools in your area, will they know you are the employer of choice in your home town?
2. Internship Opportunities: Providing hands-on internship experiences gives Generation Alpha a glimpse into real-world work environments. It’s important for this generation to understand the expectations of a typical workday, including face-to-face interactions with colleagues (what does a water cooler conversation look like?). Office reality may differ reruns of shows like NBC’s “The Office.” They need to grasp the reality of what work is really like, such as responding to emails, answering phone calls and contributing value to an organization on a daily basis.
3. Soft Skills Development: Equipping Generation Alpha with essential soft skills, such as communication with tact and diplomacy, understanding non-verbal communication is crucial for their future success. Parents play a pivotal role in fostering these skills by encouraging their children to engage in non-verbal communication, practice active listening skills, and develop emotional intelligence beyond their digital devices. I argue that building this skillset begins at home by encouraging them to put down their devices from time to time and engage the real world in real conversations.

Preference for Skilled Trades Over College Degrees

In light of concerns over college debt and the potential impact of AI on future job markets (especially white-collar professional jobs) Generation Alpha may gravitate towards skilled trades as viable career paths (thus the importance of partnerships with local schools as this generation enters the workforce). These trades offer hands-on experience and specialized skills that are in demand across various industries. Additionally, opting for vocational training or apprenticeships can provide a direct pathway to meaningful employment without the burden of student loans. As AI continues to advance, Gen Alpha may recognize the value of trades that require human creativity, critical thinking, and craftsmanship, ensuring their relevance in an increasingly automated world.

Part-time Jobs and the Gig Workforce

Generation Alpha’s entry into the workforce might witness a departure from the traditional nine-to-five grind towards a more flexible, gig economy-driven approach. With the rise of platforms like Uber, DoorDash, and TaskRabbit, Gen Alpha may find themselves drawn to the allure of multiple part-time jobs over a single full-time position. Instead of committing to one static role, they might opt for a blend of freelance gigs, such as driving for a rideshare service in the morning, delivering groceries in the afternoon, and completing graphic design projects in the evening. You can even become a millionaire just by being a social media influencer or YouTuber. This will present a recruting challenge for traditional employers. This gig economy lifestyle offers Gen Alpha the freedom to pursue diverse interests, control over their schedules, and opportunities for varied experiences, reflecting their preference for autonomy and flexibility in the workplace.

Closing Thoughts

As I write this, Gen Alpha isn’t even old enough to drive yet. However, as a parent of Gen Alpha, I am continually amazed by their daily ability to navigate the complexities of today’s world and persevere. Witnessing their resilience and adaptability firsthand, I’ve gained a profound appreciation for the unique strengths and quirks of this generation. However, what we can all agree on is the critical need to not only prepare for them but also to help them prepare for us as their future employers. As employers, we’ll need to match their innovative mindset by offering benefits and incentives that resonate with them. They will prioritize work/life balance as much as, if not more than, their Gen Z counterparts. By embracing their innovative spirit and celebrating their diversity, we can ensure that Gen Alpha thrives as the next generation of leaders in our workforce and beyond. What they need right now is our guidance and support. Let’s rise to the challenge and help them become the best they can be as we prepare to recruit, engage, and retain them as the future workforce.

Now if you don’t mind, it’s time for me to take my own advice, and put down my device. There is a beautiful spring sunset outside, and I see my kids actually playing in the front yard with no devices in sight. I think I’ll go join them for a bit.