The global workforce is undergoing a massive generational change. Baby Boomers are retiring, Millennials are becoming the largest employed age group, and Generation Z is starting to look for jobs. But what exactly is Generation Z? It’s the generation following Millennials, born roughly between 1995 and 2015.
Generation Z has a new outlook on life, fresh ideas about their careers, and new expectations from employers. They are the generation that grew up with internet access and mobile phones. Some of them have experienced the global economic crisis of 2007–2008 as children or teenagers and witnessed their parents’ efforts to make ends meet.
What Is Different About Generation Z in Terms of Employment?
Generation Z is the first generation with native tech skills. They do not need basic training for general purpose office equipment and software. They are quick to adapt and use new tools that help them work more efficiently.
They are a competitive generation with entrepreneurial spirit. Kid entrepreneurs that wow the world of business by running successful companies before they’ve turned 18 belong to Generation Z. Others, while staying focused on an employed career, are attracted by opportunities to climb the corporate ladder and reach a top-level position.
What Should Managers Know About the Impact of Generation Z on the Workplace?
As more and more members of Generation Z enter the workforce, managers need to rethink everything, from the recruiting process to benefits and leadership style. These are some of the most important changes that the youngest employed generation will bring in offices across the world:
1. The Smart Office Is a Must-Have
Generation Z is very tech-savvy. They depend on their smartphone and other smart devices to solve everything — from job tasks to doing shopping and finding a good restaurant to go out with friends.
The kind of workplace they thrive in and give their best is an office equipped with smart devices that take the load of repetitive, routine tasks off their schedule. Thus, they can focus their talents, creativity, and thinking powers on finding ways to solve problems and improve processes.
2. Managers Must Be Available for Feedback
Compared to other generations, generation Z needs constant feedback. This does not mean the return of micro-management. It means that employees want to check in with their managers to track their progress and the degree of satisfaction with their work.
According to a report prepared by The Center for Generational Kinetics, 66% of Generation Z requires feedback from their managers at least once a few weeks. Otherwise, they will seek another job where the manager is more proactive in giving feedback.
3. Generation Z Wants Meaningful Benefits
Massage at the office, a relaxation room with games — these are job perks that attract Millennials. For Generation Z valuable benefits are in the range of health insurance, pension plan, and job security.
They are more focused on building a secure life. As mentioned above, they witnessed their parents’ struggle during the economic crisis and placed more value on solid benefits, as opposed to “cool office perks”.
4. The Return of the Enclosed Office
The open office space may not be around for long. Generation Z enjoys clear structure and privacy at work. They want to know where informal talks take place, where official meetings with clients are held, and where they can make a phone call in privacy.
Even if the fully enclosed office does not return in force, compartmentalization of office space will certainly define the interior décor of corporate spaces.
5. Generation Z Has a Positive View on Failure
While older generations shun failure and strive to avoid it to the point of not making meaningful contributions, generation Z does not have this problem. Instead, they see failure as a learning opportunity.
This makes them more willing to come forward with new ideas, try something new, and put themselves on the line in difficult projects. They are more flexible in thinking and welcome criticism as a way of correcting their errors. Thus, generation Z is set to become one of the most innovative and inspirational age groups in any organization.
This article was originally published on pldx.org.
