Preparing Today's Business for Tomorrow's Workforce.
Gen Alpha (born between 2010 – 2024) is the first generation to be fully raised in a world dominated by smart technology, artificial intelligence, and constant connectivity. They’ve grown up with iPads instead of books and smart speakers as bedtime storytellers.
They’re not just tech-savvy, they’re technative. Unlike previous generations who learned to use digital tools, Gen Alpha has been immersed in them from birth. They’re also being raised in an era of accelerated social change, climate urgency, and heightened awareness around issues like diversity, mental health, and sustainability.
The first wave of Gen Alpha will begin stepping into internships, apprenticeships, and early job roles as soon as 2028. That’s just three years away.
Why businesses should start planning now
Three years might seem like a long runway, but workplace change takes time, particularly when it involves reshaping culture, training, infrastructure, and leadership mindsets. The companies that thrive in the 2030s will be those that start evolving in the 2020s.
Here are five key areas where businesses should focus:
1. Digital-first mindset
Gen Alpha will expect seamless digital experiences, not just for customers, but in their own roles as employees. Clunky intranets, outdated systems, and paperbased processes will not only frustrate them but signal to them that a company isn’t future-ready. Now is the time to audit internal systems and invest in intuitive, mobile-first, AI-augmented tools. Don’t forget to prepare your existing workforce for this change to ensure you keep critical people and retain the knowledge, skills and experience of longer-serving employees.
2. Education integration
Fewer people are moving through the university-to-career pipeline and Gen Alpha is likely to explore more modular, skills-based learning pathways. Businesses should begin collaborating with schools, colleges, and tech education platforms to co-create programs, apprenticeships, and certifications that match real-world job needs. These partnerships will be key to attracting the best young talent early.
3. Purpose-driven culture
Gen Alpha cares about what a company stands for as much as what it sells. They’ll seek out employers that align with their values, particularly around sustainability, equity, and global impact. Transparency, authentic storytelling, and a strong social mission will be crucial in employer branding. This is not a box-ticking generation; they can spot inauthenticity in a heartbeat.
4. AI Collaboration
By the time Gen Alpha enters the workplace, AI will be deeply integrated into most industries. But rather than fearing automation, this generation is likely to see AI as a collaborative partner. Businesses need to ensure their workflows and cultures are designed around “human-AI teaming”, where emotional intelligence and creativity complement each other.
5. Flexibility and mental health focus
The pandemic reshaped views on worklife balance, and Gen Alpha will take this expectation even further. Mental health, flexible schedules, and meaningful time off won’t be perks, they’ll be the baseline. Companies that fail to embrace a holistic approach to employee wellbeing may struggle to attract or retain this generation.
Looking ahead
Generation Alpha may still be in school but Businesses that take a proactive approach to their arrival will not only attract toptier talent but gain a competitive edge in innovation, relevance, and resilience.
The Alpha Factor is coming. It’s not a question of if your business needs to adapt, it’s how fast you can start.
Jen.tait@riselearninggroup.com
www.riselearninggroup.com