Recruiting, Motivating, and Managing Gen Z in the Tree Care Industry

Understanding Gen Z

Generation Z, born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, is set to comprise nearly 30% of the workforce by 2030 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This new generation of workers has grown up in a digital age with unique expectations and values. Unlike previous generations, Gen Zers are not just highly “tech-savvy” they are purpose-driven, value a work-life balance, and seek more from their jobs than just a paycheck.

Recognizing our next generation and their distinct characteristics and workplace expectations is non-negotiable for companies in the tree care industry. A common misconception about gen zers is that they won’t go “the extra mile” at their workplace. This generation is driven towards jobs that focus on developing their professional and life skills, where they can make a real impact on the world, emphasizing the necessity for organizations to adapt their business strategies accordingly.

Recruiting Gen Z: A Digital Approach

First thing to remember, to attract Gen Z top talent to your organization, it’s essential to understand that traditional recruitment methods may fall short. For example, showcasing your company’s dedication to creating a positive environment and contributing to a sustainable future can be a compelling drawcard. Here are some key considerations:

• Leverage Social Media: Gen Z is highly active on social media platforms. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn allow you to showcase your company culture, values, and career opportunities through engaging content. Hiring managers and leaders should always highlight the positive aspects of working in the tree care industry, such as making a real difference in the environment and working outdoors.
• Partner with Schools and Universities: Collaborate with local colleges and universities to offer online courses, internships, apprenticeships, and campus recruitment events. Provide opportunities for students to learn about the tree care industry and gain hands-on experience.
• Highlight Company Culture: Gen Z workers value companies with a strong sense of purpose and a positive work environment. Emphasize your company’s values and commitment to social responsibility, sustainability, and employee well-being. Showcase the benefits of working at your company, such as competitive compensation, growth opportunities, and a supportive team.

Motivating Gen Z: A Purpose-Driven Approach

Whether you’re looking for first job, entry level employees or seasoned team members already down their career paths, motivating Gen Z workers hinges on recognition, involvement, and growth opportunities. Unlike most people from other generations, Gen Z looks for a job that helps them realize their future career goals while contributing to a greater purpose. Here are some key strategies:

• Offer Mentorship and Coaching: Provide opportunities for Gen Z employees to learn from experienced professionals and develop their skills. Mentorship programs can help them feel valued, supported, and connected to the company.
• Invest in Professional Development: Offer training and development programs that align with your employer brand and Gen Zers career goals. This can include certifications, online courses, workshops, and opportunities to attend industry conferences.
• Recognize and Reward Performance: In the workplace, gen z employees want to be recognized and rewarded for their achievements, whether it’s through bonuses, promotions, public recognition. This recognition and regular check-ins help boost morale and motivate employees to strive for excellence.

Managing Gen Z: A Collaborative Approach

Leading a Gen Z workforce requires a shift towards more flexible, communication-rich, and collaborative management styles. These strategies not only respect their need for work-life balance but also tap into their potential as future leaders. Here are some key strategies:

• Prioritize Open Communication: Encourage open and honest communication between managers and employees. Create a culture where employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and feedback.
• Provide Clear Expectations: Set clear goals and expectations for Gen Z employees, and provide regular feedback on their performance. This can help them stay motivated and focused on their work.
• Offer Flexibility Where Possible: According to Robert Half, 72% of Gen Z places a significant value on work-life balance in their job search criteria. Flexible scheduling and a focus on mental health and well-being are attractive to Gen Z candidates in the tree care industry. While remote work might not be feasible for all roles in the tree care industry, consider offering flexible hours, mental health days, or other accommodations for administrative positions to meet their needs and improve job satisfaction.
• Foster a Sense of Community: Social responsibility while creating a positive and inclusive work environment where employees feel connected to each other and the company is a must. To make the most positive impact with new hires, organize team-building activities, social events, and opportunities for employees to connect outside of work.

Embracing Technology: A Must for Gen Z Employees

Gen Z is a generation that has grown up with technology at their fingertips. They are digital natives who expect businesses to embrace technology and provide modern tools and platforms. A Dell Technologies study reports 80% of Gen Zers say that a company’s technological sophistication would impact their decision to work there. The same can be said for millennial employees.

This is particularly true in the tree care industry, where technology can streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance employee satisfaction. The tree care sector must recognize this and integrate technology not just for operational needs but as a core business strategy to attract, retain, and engage Gen Z talent.

The Importance of Technology in the Tree Care Industry:

• Improved Efficiency: Technology can help tree care teams automate tasks, reduce paperwork, and streamline workflows. This can lead to increased productivity and cost savings.
• Enhanced Data Management: With the help of technology, you can collect, analyze, and manage data more effectively. This can provide valuable insights into customer preferences, market trends, and operational performance.
• Improved Customer Service: Technology can help businesses provide better customer service by enabling faster communication, more efficient scheduling, and improved communication with customers.

Tree Care Company Field Service Software Technology for The Gen Z Generation

The Role of Arborgold Software:

Arborgold is a comprehensive software solution crafted by and for professionals in the tree care industry — effectively aligning with the technological needs of the next generation, Gen Z.

Arborgold’s all-in-one platform provides an end-to-end business management solution. With an emphasis on field service management, the software delivers exceptional organization and the power to transform how businesses manage their day-to-day operations. It offers a wide range of features, including:

• Schedule and Route with Precision: Arborgold’s agile job scheduling feature simplifies the job assignment process, enables efficient routing, and offers real-time tracking for job progress. This feature ensures that each crew is optimally deployed, maximizing time and resources, which is vital for engaging a workforce that values efficiency.
• Crew Management & Labor Insights: The platform extends beyond traditional crew management by allowing businesses to oversee all employee information in a centralized system, monitor hours with GPS time tracking, and streamline payroll calculations, ensuring compliance and cost management.
• Advanced Inventory Tracking: With Arborgold, tracking the details of your equipment and materials inventory becomes intuitive. The system is designed to help you maintain optimal inventory levels and prevent stockouts or surplus, directly impacting your bottom line.
• Robust Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Managing customer interactions has never been easier. Arborgold’s CRM capabilities are tailored to nurture customer relationships through effective communication tracking and a level of service excellence that today’s clients expect.
• Data-Driven Reporting and Analytics: Generate comprehensive reports on critical performance metrics with Arborgold’s reporting features. By harnessing these insights, you can identify trends, propel profitability, and inform strategic decisions.

By integrating Arborgold’s cutting-edge features, tree care businesses are uniquely positioned to:

• Attract and retain Gen Z talent: With Gen Z showing an inclination toward technologically advanced workplaces, Arborgold serves as an attractive platform to this demographic. It resonates with their expectations for streamlined, tech-driven tools and processes within their work environment.
• Improve operational efficiency: Arborgold’s suite of features, from project management to supply chain management, cohesively work together to refine workflows. This not only reduces manual errors but also enables a level of productivity that sets businesses apart in a competitive market.
• Enhance customer service: By leveraging features like the customer portal, digital proposals, and integrated payment systems, tree care companies can offer a customer service experience that is responsive and customer-centric.

Moreover, Arborgold tailors its functionalities to the unique needs of the green industry, recognizing the spectrum of roles that contribute to a successful operation—from sales teams and production crews to office staff and executives.

Learn more about Arborgold and its impactful features for the tree care industry.

How to attract, hire, and manage Gen Z for your tree service company

Next Steps for a New Generation

Recruiting, motivating, and managing Gen Z in the tree care industry requires a strategic approach that addresses their unique needs, skills, and expectations. By leveraging technology, offering opportunities for growth and development, and creating a supportive work environment, businesses can attract and retain top talent from this generation.

Key Actions:

1. Invest in technology: Implement software like Arborgold to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance employee satisfaction.
2. Prioritize professional development: Offer training and development opportunities to help Gen Z employees grow and advance in their careers.
3. Nurture a positive company culture: Create a supportive and fair work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.
4. Embrace flexibility: Consider offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or flexible hours, to meet the needs of Gen Z employees.
5. Engage with Gen Z: Use social media and other digital platforms to connect with potential employees and showcase your company’s culture and values.

The organizations that implement these steps well will not only attract the best of Gen Z’s talent but will build a strong, sustainable workforce for the future and also position themselves as leaders in the evolving landscape of the tree care industry.