X, Y or Z? hire IT experts according to generation  

Although everyone has a unique personality and we can’t put our colleagues in a box just based on their date of birth, it’s become popular for leaders and HR people to discuss how to approach individual generations (not only) in the hiring process. We all have different motivations, working styles and values. And the world of information technology has its specificities: it’s fast-paced and there are new innovations every day. This is why it’s important to understand generational differences for successful hiring of IT experts so that we can find, motivate and retain the right mix of talents for the company.

Let’s look at the numbers. There are currently around 2.3 million Gen X people (born 1965–1980), 2.5 million Gen Y people (born 1981–1996) and 2.2 million Gen Z people (born 1997–2012) in the Czech Republic. There is no exact survey on the number of IT experts by generation (as far as we know), but data from the Czech Statistical Office, demographic trends and artificial intelligence give us an estimate: 

• Gen X: 60,000 to 120,000 IT experts 
• Gen Y: 150,000 to 240,000 IT experts 
• Gen Z: 30,000 to 80,000 IT experts

These same numbers should apply globally. Forbes often writes about this topic. There is therefore quite a high probability that members of all three generations will apply for IT positions, and it’s up to us whether we can interest them, motivate them and make them stay with us. So what do we know about each generation? 

Gen X – the team’s pillars 

Imagine a generation that grew up in a time driven by economic uncertainty on the one hand and rapid technological innovation on the other… This group, known in the Czech Republic as ‘Husák’s Children’, experienced many challenges in life that shaped their independence and strong work ethic. Today, they are some of the most experienced workers on the market. These people are not only responsible and efficient, they also like to take on the role of coaches. We often see them sharing their wealth of experience with younger colleagues, most often in practical and business matters. 

What motivates them 

They say that this generation craves stability and financial benefits, and this is generally true. They prefer health care, pension savings and other traditional benefits. They have already experienced enough, and this gives them a reason to be loyal to their company; they often have an optimistic outlook on life and are not easily thrown off. They tend to stay with one employer longer than others. Career growth and job security are most important to them. 

How they work  

Gen X prefers a traditional working regime with clearly defined working hours. They are responsible, they expect clearly defined goals and tasks, and when you ask them what is important to them, most of them won’t list flexibility among the top five points. Efficiency and a pragmatic approach are essential for them, which is why they often act as a stabilising element in the team. 

Gen Y – Millennials gaining experience 

They were born in a time of technological progress and globalisation; they are digitally savvy and growth-oriented. Their drive can make them an inspiration for older colleagues in the team and a stabilising element for the younger ones. They have a lot ahead of them, which they’re aware of, and they’re not easily manipulated.  

What motivates them 

For Gen Y, meaningful work and a balance between work and their personal life are crucial. They value flexibility, the possibility to work from home and opportunities for personal development. Benefits such as flexible working hours and modern technology available for private use are also important to them. They need an environment in which they can remain authentic, and the purpose of their job is important to them.  

How they work  

Millenials are team players. Finding innovative solutions to problems is their daily bread, it’s all they know. They are masters of multitasking and appreciate a flexible work schedule, including the ability to work remotely. They care about working in a pleasant atmosphere, and they generally know that they also have to contribute to creating a positive environment in the office. 

Gen Z – the young spreading their wings 

Gen Z, also known as ‘digital natives’, grew up in a world full of technology and social media. This generation is the first to be born after the mass spread of the Internet and modern communication technologies. They are very adaptable and quick to learn new skills. Multitasking and innovation come natural them; they monitor new innovations in real time and consider them a normal part of their lives. 

What motivates them 

Innovation, technology and fast career growth. No delays, no staying with one company forever. They look for employers who will offer them modern technology, flexibility and diversity in the workplace. If they’re not happy, they move on to the next place. They have a strong sense of sustainability and expect their company to be responsible in this area. 

How they work  

This youngest generation expects digital tools and a fast pace of work. They are used to remote and hybrid work. They finish their assignments, but they carefully guard their personal time. They believe ‘automatic overtime and living for the company to the grave’ to be a useless relic of their parents’ times. Their focus on sustainability and creativity often inspires and influences even older generations in teams. 

The best of everything for your project 

If you want to be successful and efficient in hiring IT experts, then it pays to take generational differences into account. TITANS recommends hundreds of IT specialists for interviews every year. It turns out that companies that can adapt their recruitment strategies and working conditions to the needs of each generation have an edge in attracting and retaining top talent. When you bring different generations together, you create a corporate culture in which skills are passed down across age groups. Older generations can share their wealth of experience and wisdom, while younger generations bring fresh ideas and a digital approach. This synergy enriches the working environment and strengthens the company’s overall performance and innovation. 

Are you looking for IT experts for your team? TITANS will recommend the best and help you motivate them based on what they expect from a new team.