Everything You Need to Know About Gen Z Employees
Recently, foreign media channels have been talking about generation Z employees. Some employers even avoid hiring representatives of this generation. But really, what are Gen Z employees and what are they like? Should employers be afraid of them? What kind of employers are they seeking?
Some terminology
Generation Z (or just Gen Z) – representatives of the digital generation. Although the year of their birth is still debatable and not clear, it is generally believed that members of this generation were born between the 1990s and the late 2010s.
Currently, there are about two billion members of Gen Z worldwide.
The portrait of Generation Z
As for the character of generation Z, it is important to mention that this is a generation that grew up in the digital world, so they are very familiar with technology, and they adapt perfectly to everyday innovations.
Many people would agree with the idea that this is the most educated group of people since they must seek education.
Gen Z influences society and the online world every day, they not only represent but also create the future.
Gen Z is full of activists and advocates for a better tomorrow. They are often liberal, accepting every person and teaching others not to judge, dynamic, and adore their privacy.
What kind of employees can Gen Z offer?
Although a large proportion of this generation is currently students or pupils, it is estimated that they will make up about a third of the workforce in the next decade. As the population ages, most Gen Z employees will begin their careers when the labor supply shrinks: more people will be leaving the labor market than entering it, resulting in a skills shortage. To meet workforce demand and secure the future of the labor market, the education system will need to adapt to the learning styles and nuances of today's students.
Analyzing already working Gen Z representatives, it seems that work-life balance, focus on the team, community, and a sense of belonging, enjoyment, and giving meaning are especially important to them. They need support, flexibility, engagement, creativity, innovation, and a global work environment. They often do not stay long in one place, they exude a desire to improve and learn throughout their lives. Diversity is also important to them. Generation Z employees seek to make their existence meaningful both in their personal and work lives, so the employer must ensure that what the employee does creates one or another added value.
It is important to remember that the labor market is entering a new era. And while employers should not pander to the fads of every new generation of employees, employers also cannot hold on to the old generation and expect Gen Z to conform to the old traditions. These new hires have been actively contributing to the culture for more than two decades, and there is little an employer can do to change that. It is important to understand what the new generation expects from employers.
Employers should understand that the generation of employees is changing, and also adapt to those changes by offering what Generation Z employees are looking for and providing them with all the conditions to express themselves and thrive.
