Get ready: Gen Z is about to hit the workforce

There was a time when literally everyone used to complain about the unmotivated, individualistic and self-centered nature of millennials, but here’s the news: the oldest millennials are now in their 40s, and there is a whole new generation entering the labor market known as Gen Z. Many of these young people are offsprings of millennials themselves — but they are drastically different from their predecessors. In an attempt to help you understand what to expect when these kids will come to your office for a job interview, we have assembled some generic traits of this largest generation about to enter the workforce.

GenZers are more pragmatic and less optimistic than millennials used to be

Unlike millennials who were born in the age of prosperity and opportunity, GenZers have seen the financial struggles of their parents and were brought up as a generation of people who actually think about their financial future. Millennials were taught to think of themselves as of somewhat exceptional and extraordinary human beings; GenZers, on the other hand, seem to understand that nothing comes cheap and are ready to work hard.

Conversely, where millennials were ready to play for high stakes (maybe even opportunistic at times), GenZers are more likely to avoid taking risks: they would rather stay put and steadily progress up the career ladder in a blue chip company than do something risky but potentially more lucrative like setting up their own business. They prioritize financial security of a steady paycheck over anything else.

Gen Z is eager to study — but would rather skip college

Gen Z have witnessed millennials falling in the college debt trap and seem to know that almost half of millennial college graduates have chosen a career path different from their college major. GenZers don’t want to repeat this mistake: they are less willing to go to college than their parents and consider other education alternatives such as studying online and workplace tutoring — and we don’t blame them for that. With the change in attitude towards traditional education among young people, companies should start looking for the alternate ways to bridge this possible educational gap.

GenZers are very tech-savvy but can lack soft skills

Born with smartphones in their hands, GenZers know their way around tech better than any previous generation. On the flipside, the fact that they have been spending so much time in front of their screens also means that they can often have a hard time dealing with social situations which require the old-fashioned face-to-face communication. In fact, you’ll probably have to teach them many skills that millennial and older generations take for granted. So just help these kids to get through these first business meetings — as the time passes, the social awkwardness will go off.

They appreciate healthy working environment

The Fight Club-esque anti-corporate philosophy heavily influenced the millennial culture: as a result, the hate towards the corporate environment was a common thing among Generation Y. GenZers do not seem to share this philosophy, but they still wish to work at a place where they will be allowed to feel comfortable — and where they will be appreciated. The employers should keep in mind that more than any previous generation, these young people need to receive feedback for the job done; they also want to be as socially connected with their colleagues as it is possible.

Unlike millennials, GenZers don’t want to wait for the working hours to end to finally have fun; they want to enjoy themselves during the working hours instead. With the Gen Z hitting the working force, this calls for a change in the working environment and a shift in the paradigm of the employer/employee relationships.