The Workforce Shift That’s Reshaping Industries

Every generation that enters the workforce faces skepticism. The World War II generation once doubted baby boomers. Millennials were labeled as entitled. And now, Gen Z is under scrutiny.

In a recent Fox Morning Radio interview, Kinley Construction CEO Jimmy Kinley shared his perspective on hiring and retaining Gen Z talent—insights that challenge the common narrative.

• Are young professionals really struggling in the workplace?
• Is the hiring process broken, or are companies failing to adapt?
• How can leadership evolve to bridge the generational gap?

With six generations of history at Kinley Construction, Jimmy Kinley has firsthand experience navigating these workforce transitions. Here’s how Kinley is making it work.

The Workforce Challenge: Why Gen Z is Struggling in Traditional Workplaces

According to recent surveys, six in ten employers say they’ve let go of a Gen Z hire within the first year. The reasons vary—unrealistic expectations, difficulty adapting, or misalignment with workplace culture.

Jimmy sees a different perspective:

“They’re ambitious. They want opportunities. They want to know that people care. It’s what we all wanted when we entered the workforce—it just looks a little different now.”

However, he acknowledges that:

• Many Gen Z employees expect rapid career advancement
• They desire more control over their career trajectory
• Some enter the workforce unprepared due to college expectations

So, is the problem with Gen Z—or with how companies onboard and develop them?

Kinley’s Approach: Creating a Culture Where Young Talent Thrives

At Kinley Construction, young professionals aren’t just employees—they’re future leaders. Here’s how Kinley hires, retains, and empowers young talent in both white-collar and blue-collar roles.

• Hiring for Attitude, Training for Skill
  Instead of expecting “perfect hires,” Kinley’s leadership focuses on mentoring and upskilling talent. As Jimmy puts it:
  

  “We’ve had 25-year-olds in interviews say, ‘I want to be CEO.’ That’s ambition. We love that. Now, we just need to set expectations and provide a path forward.”

• Encouraging Growth Without Entitlement
  Jimmy shared a humorous anecdote:

  “We’ve had young hires ask, ‘When do I get a company truck?’ And we just smile—because we know it’s about setting the right expectations.”

  The takeaway? Talent needs room to grow—but with the right structure.

• Building a Workforce That Feeds Itself
  A strong company culture attracts like-minded talent. Kinley’s emphasis on teamwork, mentorship, and real career opportunities ensures that good people bring in more good people.

  And it’s working.

The Secret to Retaining Young Talent: The Leadership Bridge Between Generations

One of the biggest hiring challenges? The leadership gap between Gen X and Gen Z.

Jimmy believes millennials are the key to bridging this divide:

“Gen X leaders are trying to connect to Gen Z, but the gap is too large. Millennials, on the other hand, know what a cassette player is, but also get excited about AI and new software. They can speak both languages.”

This is why Kinley has intentionally promoted millennials into leadership roles—even when they weren’t fully “ready.” The result? A leadership team that’s adaptable, understands both worlds, and can effectively guide younger talent into the workforce.

Key Takeaways: How Companies Can Win with Gen Z Talent

Hiring & Onboarding

• Hire for attitude, train for skill
• Create structured career paths for ambitious talent
• Set clear expectations early to align reality with ambition

Leadership & Retention

• Promote millennials into leadership roles to bridge the Gen X-Gen Z gap
• Focus on mentorship, not micromanagement
• Build a workplace that attracts the right people—because good people attract good people

The result? A thriving, engaged workforce ready to grow with your company.

Watch the Full Interview & Join the Conversation

Want to hear more from Jimmy Kinley about the future of construction hiring?

Watch the full interview below!