Meet the new workforce: Generation Z

Gen Zers, as they’re sometimes called, are steadily disrupting the workforce with an influx of characteristics and expectations that your office might not be prepared for.

These post-Millenials were born between 1995-2010 so that means the oldest is 25. With over 61 million job seekers, members of gen Z definitely outnumber their predecessors - the millennials and are hard workers. Although they are eager to work and ready to take their success into their own hands, Gen Z-ers seek independence and entrepreneurship.

Generation Z characteristics in the workplace

Gen Z-ers are gradually overtaking the workforce. These young people are in high demand as they are perceived to be more hardworking, which is an asset to employers. However, their unique characteristics make employers concerned about recruiting, retaining, and training them.

1. Health first, pay next

Gen Z-ers would pick jobs that allow for a healthy lifestyle, even though the salaries they earn at those jobs might not be up to par. Give them a fun and exciting position and they’d deliver with enthusiasm.

These young professionals are willing to work overtime and do extra hours provided they'd be rewarded for it. They are competitive so they want to be reviewed on their merit. These guys own their careers.

2. Tech-savvy

Generation Z is tech-savvy and expects to work for technologically sound firms. They’d like a face-to-face conversation from time to time. They don't want to work for you, they want to be tutored and mentored by you.

Given that the first smartphones debuted when they were infants, Gen Z-ers are digital natives and they are known to be unable to do without technology, especially their mobile phones. According to a global news survey, 98% of Gen Z-ers own a smartphone and more than half spend over 10 hours every day on it alone.

Social media plays a massive role in Gen Zer's lives and helps them work more efficiently. They are always on the ground for new updates and proficient at picking up new skills.

3. Culturally diverse

Generation Z is the most accepting generation yet. Hailing from different groups and orientations, Gen Z-ers would feel right at home in a pretty diverse workspace.

Culture fit and inclusivity of various people seem to be the backbone of this diverse generation. Technology allows them to get involved with people from different backgrounds, and they expect to relate with these people at their workplaces.

4. Competitive

Self goals drive generation Z and they derive a sense of accomplishment by being the best in their respective field. Though they have no difficulty in functioning as a team, Gen-Z employees prefer to work individually to showcase their abilities and prove their efficiency to the employers.

5. Excellent multitaskers

Gen Z-ers have mastered the art of switching between different tasks and paying attention to them simultaneously. Their short attention span enables them to be hyper-focused as they absorb new information quickly and effectively adjust to the dynamic change.

Gen Z-er's ability to multitask is a huge advantage in the modern-day business where the variables are constantly changing and one needs to stay on top of the current trends for sustained competitive advantage.

Millennials vs. Generation Z

While the Millennials generation seems to enjoy the basic cliché life of a working-class citizen, Gen Z-ers are more proactive and bursting with new ideas and energy, and are willing to bring those to workspaces.

Both contrast in not just way of life but also the mode of operation. A millennial would want to be careful and patient in operations and often collaborating with colleagues at work. While a Gen Z-er would like to flex their on-demand learning muscle, they'd proceed in trying out different roles inside the organization due to their practical nature.

Moreover, millennials are interested in job opportunities for career development, whereas generation Z is more concerned about their job security. Being raised during the Great Recession, Gen Z-ers are more aware of their shortcomings and seek to fix up as they've come to learn that losers outnumber winners and do not want to fall into the losers category.

On the other hand, the Millennials were raised during an economic boom by the baby boomers and are always optimistic. Millennials don't bother to cut their weaknesses, they just focus on improving their strengths. They're a bit self-centred and Gen Z-ers are self-aware.

What's next for employers?

To build an engaged workforce, HR needs to keep up with Gen Z-ers' demands for collaboration and communication, even while working from home. Creating opportunities for one-on-one gatherings to foster interpersonal relationships amongst employees would keep the employee morale high.

Businesses need to revise what they stand to be more attractive to Gen Z-ers. In the current world, they are passionate about several causes and tend to align themselves with workspaces that feel the same. Gen Z-ers are driven by opportunities for enhancement, security and development.

Generation Z is here and they're entering the workforce. What they have to offer surpasses what the workspace has been used to. They're revitalizing the workspace with their ready-to-go energy. They're the new workforce, Generation Z.