How Gen-Z Are Re-Inventing the Workplace

 

Generation Z is relatively new to the workplace, but they’re already making their mark and shaking up the world of work. The Gen-Z insight is influencing everything from technology and social media to marketing and political policy. Their empathetic, value-driven, ambitious, and now they’re approaching the workforce en-masse. So, who are Gen-Z, and how will they re-invent the workplace?

Gen-Z is defined by their birth years, and most are born between 1995-2010.  We hear a lot about the Gen-Z insight in the media. Perhaps the phrases ‘snowflake generation’ or ‘woke brigade’ spring to mind, or maybe you’re picturing swathes of young people glued to their phones and detached from reality. Well, the truth may surprise you.

Gen-Z has a very ‘value-driven approach’ to work, with 93% saying that a company’s impact on society affects their decision to work there. Plus, According to a report from the Pew Research Center, they’re the most racially and ethnically diverse generation we’ve ever seen, and they’re well on their way to being the best-educated generation too. Although most Gen-Z workers want the ‘traditional’ securities of previous generations, like financial security and good job benefits, they’re not willing to sacrifice their morals to get there.

For example, look at the tech industry. A few years ago, job offers for a tech role were highly sought after and praised by millennials for their outstanding salaries and attractive employee benefits. In recent years though, societies opinion of the tech industry has dropped, primarily due to concerns from Gen-Z over the ethics of their practices. A Pew Research Study found that the percentage of Americans who perceived the tech industry as a positive force dropped from 71% to 50% between 2015 and 2019.

Businesses and brands are now being forced to evaluate their moral standards and be open about their beliefs and practices. Their attitudes towards diversity and inclusion are more important than ever. Gen-Z workers said they would ‘absolutely’ be more likely to apply at a company that emphasises a racially and ethnically diverse workplace in the recruitment process. As well as transparency, Gen-Z also favours a stable work-life balance, with many of them no longer advocating for the 9-5 workweek. Where remote options, job shares, or well-paid part-time positions are available, you’ll find Gen-Z workers.

You shouldn’t underestimate their ability to make a change either. They’re politically engaged and highly motivated, and the U.S 2020 elections proved just this – according to NBC exit polls, Gen-Z accounted for 65% of Biden’s vote. They’re shaping the political landscape, and leaders are likely to move with them; this could impact the workplace in years to come. This switched-on generation, charged with a desire to protest, speak up and seek the truth, will become one of the most significant generations in the population, and leaders will need to gain their vote. To do this, it’s pretty likely that they’ll re-evaluate workplace policy, including working hours, rates of pay and employment benefits.

Gen-Z is already breaking off to become one of the most entrepreneurial generations in history. They’ve got bags of technological talent, are simultaneously collaborative and autonomous, empathetic, and value meaningful work. They’re a valuable generation to the workforce, and to attract and maintain their talent, workplaces will have to re-align with their values and take a long, hard look at their practices. 

This generation is marching towards self-employment in vast numbers, and businesses miss out on the qualities they have to offer by failing to appeal to them. Covid-19 has radicalised the generation even further, too; their critique of capitalism and the failures of the elite are strong. They know their personal debts will be higher, and they’ll face more profound uncertainty than most generations before them, making their desire for the workplace and financial security even stronger.

Their emphasis on kindness, empathy and open-mindedness have sparked businesses and workplaces across the world to re-evaluate to retain their interest and custom. With thousands more entering the workforce every year, companies need to look at these values, and the influences behind the making of this generation, so they can move with the times and invest in the workers of the future.