Known as the digital natives, gen Z firmly stands apart from previous generations due to their unique upbringing in an era dominated by the internet and digital technology. Experiencing a historic pandemic, political uncertainty, and a rising climate crisis has influenced and shaped their worldview, priorities, and attitudes in the workplace.
Accounting for one-third of the global workforce by 2025, it is essential to take the needs of this generation seriously. Business leaders wanting to both attract and retain this generation must firstly understand: What differentiates them from previous generations? And what they look for in their careers? To recognise how to adapt to their unique characteristics.
What sets Gen Z apart?
Technology as an Enabler.
Having been immersed in high-speed internet, smartphones, and social media from a young age, this generation is certainly no stranger to using digital tools. Gen Z is keen to integrate technology into their work, already, more than a quarter of Gen Zs employees use gen AI at work all or most of the time.
The cautious yet forward-thinking nature of Gen Z recognizes both the promise and potential threats posed by technologies like Generative AI. In fact, 59% of Gen Z employees foresee the increasing prevalence of Generative AI necessitating reskilling and impacting their career decisions. However, many are turning it into an opportunity to adapt and thrive in an evolving job market. By embracing these innovations, all employees including Gen Z can actively bridge the skills gap and enhance their value to organizations.
To keep up with Gen Z's increasing demand for cutting-edge technology in the workplace, organizations must prioritize ongoing tech adoption. While it's impractical to invest in every new technology, companies should assess and integrate digital tools and platforms that align with their business goals. Providing regular tech training and upskilling opportunities will create an environment that embraces technological advancements, meeting the expectations of Gen Z whilst remaining relevant and driving overall business success.
Driving Sustainable Initiatives
From demanding change from those in power to making environmentally friendly decisions on what they purchase and where they work, this generation is driven by not only voicing their opinions for change but also acting on them. More than 50% of Gen Z workers are pushing employers to drive sustainable practices, and if these sustainable initiatives aren’t met, Gen Z won’t be the generation to let it go un-noticed. With job mobility being common amongst younger workers, 17% of Gen Z have been found to go as far as changing jobs or even switch sector due to climate concerns.
While many companies now claim to prioritize sustainable practices, authenticity is key. Those genuinely committed to sustainability as a core value will resonate with Gen Z, who can discern between genuine efforts and superficial claims. Companies that authentically prioritize sustainability not only appeal to Gen Z in their lifestyle choices but also attract them as potential employees eager to contribute to meaningful change at work.
Prioritizing Work-Life Balance
Technological advancements in the past two decades have led to an ‘always on’ culture, with the prevalence of remote working and virtual devices, the ability to ‘switch off’ has come even harder. After watching previous generations face work-related stress and burnout, Gen Z have adopted the philosophy of ‘work to live’ and will not place work before their well-being or personal life.
Success is no longer defined by ‘always on’ and long working hours, success instead is having choice, flexibility, and autonomy in where, when, and how they work. The autonomy to choose their own working schedule is much more important for Gen Z compared to older generations, with 89% of Gen Z stating they want autonomy in their working patterns. For many, this new autonomy has come from flexible and remote working, reshaping the traditional boundaries between work and personal life.
While organizations can't entirely ensure work-life balance, as employees must also take responsibility for their attitudes and actions, there are several strategies that businesses can implement. Providing flexible working arrangements, prioritizing paid time off, and encouraging breaks between work are all effective measures that organizations can take. By aligning with Gen Z's priorities while promoting business growth, organizations can create a successful and motivated workforce, driving both employee satisfaction and overall success.
How can organizations prepare for the future?
As Gen Z becomes the dominant generation in the workforce, their values and expectations will bring a transformational movement to the future of work. This generation has grown up with technology running throughout their lives and entered a workforce at turbulent times shifting their priorities to favour the environment and their own well-being.
Some actionable takeaways for organizations include:
• Provide innovative technology.
• Prioritize authenticity when it comes to sustainability.
• Ditch the ‘always on’ culture.
With Gen Z being the C-Suite leaders of tomorrow, today’s digital leaders must firstly understand what is most important for this generation and secondly learn how to transform these wants into meaningful experiences that drive, motivate, and retain employees.
To ensure future success, leaders need to look further than creating employee experiences to suit the needs of today but think longer-term and create employee experiences that will continue to resonate with future generations.