Gen Z Talent Shift Forces Employers to Rethink the Workplace

Derrell Hartwick

North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce President Derrell Hartwick offers a striking perspective on how workforce realities have shifted over the past several years.

“You used to have it where the company had 100 employees to choose from, but now the employee has 100 companies to choose from,” Hartwick said in a discussion of Generation Z workers entering the workforce.

That’s why leaders at the chamber are emphasizing the importance of building workplaces where people want to go to work and to stay.

Chamber economic directors like Colleen Bailey share insights with local businesses daily, Jorge González told Whispers. González is the chamber’s director of business inclusion.

“I believe that chambers of commerce have tremendous potential to be a solution in workforce development,” he said. “In 2023, we started the Minority Business Accelerator Committee with the objective of serving small and minority-owned businesses.”

The effort spans different industries, emphasizing networking, professional development and access to resources. “We have quarterly events that bring together industry experts, business owners and young professionals. Our next one will be a luncheon Dec. 10 at the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce.”

González said the events foster relationships with community leaders like Sandra Carmona, co-founder and vice president of Mamas Unidas in central Arkansas. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping the Hispanic community learn about higher education.

“This year they utilized their annual fundraiser as an opportunity to promote volunteerism,” González said, “bringing together over 200 volunteers at 17 different volunteer sites.”