Gen Z were born between the years of 1995-onwards while millennials were born between the years of 1980-1994. Think about it. The first Apple MAC was released to the public in 1984. Just 4 years post-birth of the first wave of millennials and 11 years pre the first wave of Gen Z. Isn’t that amazing? How far we’ve come.
Gen Z is unique because they’re the first generation to grow up without any memory of life without computers. At any point in their lives, any question they ever had was ‘Google-able’.
As a result, they’re tech-savvy, digitally-entrepreneurial, and consistently seeking more information, further awareness, and extended learning opportunities.
According to Forbes, 33% of Gen Z watch lessons online, 20% read textbooks on tablets, and 32% work with classmates via the internet*.
Motivated by self-improvement, and constant in their act to do so--they aim to add value wherever they go. This is not a generation that will rest on its’ laurels.
Considered a Bust generation, ‘Gen Zs’ witnessed the struggles of millennials to seek employment during the recession, when jobs were scarce and student debts were high, and became inherently self-reliant, hard working, independent and entrepreneurial. Combined with their aptitude for technology, this makes them a strong asset to any organization.
So, here are some (more) things you should know about Gen Z – the lesser talked about generation. The ‘Gen’, who’s hard working, tenacious, motivated, and ready to hustle—so long as you aim to cater to and inspire them.
ABOUT GEN Z:
They thrive on communication and collaboration
They are socially-conscious
They want balance in their personal & work Lives
They want pay transparency & equity
They value face-to-face time despite their Inherently strong use of technology
They are hard-working
They see job changes as a necessary part of their career path, but will commit to you if you cater to their need for growth, advancement, and consistent feedback.
They want to feel that they are a part of something. Be inspired. Not just ‘punch-in-punch-out’.
WORK CULTURE FOR GEN Z:
Gen Z prefers coaching rather than managing. Again, leadership by inspiration. They are self-reliant, well read, and work very hard. They value their independence and the last thing they need is a micro-manager.
They are looking for financial security. Having grown up in a Bust generation, they are incentivized by ways to pay off debts, live a prosperous lifestyle, and not feel insecurity about their path.
In terms of career path, Gen Z is extremely entrepreneurial. You are more likely to be vulnerable to a ‘brain drain’ of your Gen Z employees who will flock to start-ups where they feel they’re a part of building something bigger. Keep employees engaged by mapping out a long term commitment to their growth, both in terms of tasks assigned to them, and financial compensation —maybe even providing shares within the business with relation to the growth percentage of the business over time.
Add perks, if you can —gym memberships, work-from-home days, extra sick days, personal days, a daycare for their kids (although many Gen Z employees are statistically less focused on having kids than Millenials are), endless supply of coffee/snacks/food, extra healthcare — whatever you can do to sweeten the deal when it comes to balancing their lifestyle and providing them with a sense of security and well-being.
