Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1510765
NOVEMBER 2023 I SMT007 MAGAZINE 41 Matties: In one interview we did with a mil- itary lab-type facility that was located way out in the middle of nowhere, they said they have a hard time attracting candidates. Even though new hires work on really cool projects, they don't want to live so remotely. How important is location? Fiet: Funny enough, I moved from Michigan to northern Utah just to work at a circuit board manufacturer, so I may be a bit of an oddball there. Matties: So, it can happen if the envi- ronment is right. How important is culture and overall environ- ment to you? Fiet: It's critical as well. You spend so much time at work, so it's important to like what you do, like the people around you, and feel like you're able to add to the community. Matties: We've learned that millennial and Gen Z workers are increasingly focused on the environmental implications of man- ufacturing, and they appreciate company awareness of these issues. How important is being "green" to you? Fiet: I recommend that companies be vocal about their corporate environmental policy, and that they're working to help preserve the world. We're worried about generations that come aer us and aer our kids. Will they be able to enjoy the parks and lakes and beauty that we're able to enjoy? Matties: So, is it important to be working at a clean company? Fiet: Maybe it's not the most important consid- eration, but it's in the top three or four. Matties: That's pretty high, though. What lessons do manufacturers need to learn from Gen Zers in today's world? Fiet: I'd say flexibility will become increasingly important; it was already going that way, but the pandemic accel- erated it. Companies need to be reasonable with their employees. ey need sick leave, and I love the idea of a shortened week because it allows peo- ple time to take care of their families and themselves and make sure they're healthy. Matties: When look- ing at what influences you, how important are television and news media? Where do you get your news from? What platform is the most important to Gen Z? Fiet: I definitely get my news online, but it's also too easy to spend too much time online. Matties: When we talk about manufactur- ers communicating with the next generation, does having an influencer who represents manufacturing sound like good advice? Fiet: Yes and no. I followed this girl who did "day in the life" videos and it was interesting to see what other people my age are doing for work. In manufacturing, obviously, youcouldn't go into too many details, like "I'm designing the newest drill, and it does this" or watching civil engineers design new bridges, so it's an inter- esting question.