Generation Z in the Workplace

By Sharine Sample

That phenomenon known as Generation Z has been hitting the workforce. Generation Z is usually defined as including individuals born between 1997 to 2012, which means that the oldest members of Gen Z are now in their mid-to-late 20s. As this generation has started their careers, they’ve shown some pretty unique qualities that are already shaking up the existing workforce.

It’s worthwhile for employers to understand the characteristics of Generation Z and how they may be different from workers in previous generations. Just this week, the Wall Street Journal reported that Gen Z will soon outnumber Baby Boomers in the workplace. If you’re not adapting to Gen Z, you risk getting left behind in terms of employee recruiting and retention.

Today I will share a few insights about Gen Z in the workplace so that you can better understand their ideal work environment and help them become key players in your business or organization. (Keep in mind that these are general characteristics; people born during the Gen Z timeframe vary from person to person just like members of any other generational demographic.)

Gen Z is tech-savvy. Many of this generation’s defining traits are rooted in their comfort with technology. They’ve been nicknamed iGen because they have always lived in an era of easy access to tech. Having grown up communicating, learning and working through screens, they expect to be able to continue doing so in their careers. Gen Z assumes that they’ll be able to use tech and mobile devices to perform work duties. They prefer communicating by text or email instead of through group meetings or on the phone. Where you may be used to taking notes or keeping a printed calendar, Gen Z is more comfortable with electronic data and recordings.

Gen Z has an entrepreneurial mindset. They’ve seen countless businesses and influencers find success with minimal startup costs thanks to the wonders of the internet and social media. Without the need for a physical business location, the threshold for launching a “side hustle” (or even a full-time business) is far lower than it’s ever been. Gen Z has the skills, initiative and drive to take a leap of faith through internet-based entrepreneurial ventures.

Gen Z prefers democracy over dictatorship. The oldest Gen Z-ers were still in elementary school when social media and smartphones emerged. They’ve always had the ability to share thoughts, ideas, and opinions freely and receive real-time feedback with the expectation of being heard and appreciated. As a result, they need to feel respected and heard in the workplace. If they do not feel this respect, they’ll go to another employer where they do.

Gen Z craves flexibility. Despite what you may have heard, Gen Z is hardworking. However, they believe that work-life balance should be a requirement and not an added bonus of their jobs. This is a major difference from earlier generations. Gen Z are at the front line in advocating for better benefits and hybrid work options.

Gen Z works fast. Thanks to ever-present technology, Gen Z has grown up in the era of almost instant gratification, where they don’t have to wait for information or responses. This is a major benefit in workplaces where time is of the essence. For employers who prefer to move at a slower pace, this is something to be aware of.

Gen Z embraces change. Gen Z has grown up in the digital age, where technology is constantly evolving. As a result, they have a “Now, this…” mindset, always on the lookout for what’s next. At work, this makes them adaptable and able to change jobs or tasks more easily than previous generations.

Gen Z wants to interact. Gen Z is probably more at home with diverse groups of people than any previous generation. They prioritize inclusion and are eager to meet and learn about others. Here’s one that might surprise you… despite being hyper-online, Gen Z does crave in-person interaction in some circumstances. For instance, they may prefer to receive feedback from a manager face-to-face and in real time. They’ve grown up hearing all perspectives and are accustomed to collaboration.

Understanding this emerging demographic of workers will make your organization stronger in the years to come. Hopefully, these insights will take the guesswork out of what your Gen Z employees and teammates really need to thrive in the workplace and stay with your organization for the long haul.

Sharine Sample is the Regional Workforce Development Manager at Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina. Learn more about Goodwill’s employment services here.