Generation Z And Your Business

If you’ve advertised a job recently, you’ll have probably noticed (and cried at) the years in which candidates were born! Time sure does fly, and now the working world has many new entrants from Generation Z. 

Born between around 1995-2015, Generation Z are the first fully digital generation, and have grown up with technology as an integral part of their lives. They are digital natives – which is why they’re just so natural at TikTok!

They certainly have a unique perspective on business, and can bring alternative views to your business that allow you to unlock potentials that you may not have considered. 

Here are some attributes that Generation Z hires bring to business:

• They’re Great With Technology: Gen Z are the digital generation. They were basically born with a phone in their hand, and it shows. In fact, a 2018 study by Pew Research Center showed that 95% of teens (ages 13-17) in the US have access to a smartphone, and 45% say they are online almost constantly. Generation Z grew up with technology and they know exactly how to use it. With technology an essential part of business today, having team members that know how to navigate the environment has undoubted benefits.
• They Have An Entrepreneurial Spirit: Gen Z are living in a digital world where barriers to entry are lower than ever. It’s easier than ever to turn a side hustle into a business, and they are living proof of that. A 2020 study by Upwork found that 73% of Generation Z freelancers started freelancing because they wanted to, rather than being pushed into the position by economic factors. Compare this to the 64% of Millennials who said the same. This generation has their own vision for their career, and they’re not afraid to chase it. 
• They Value Diversity and inclusion: Gen Z lives in a more interconnected, borderless world. Driven by the digital revolution, this generation have grown up being able to delve into different cultures from the comfort of their own home, and it’s reflecting in their attitudes towards diversity and inclusion. A 2019 Deloitte survey found that 77% of Gen Z respondents believe that diversity is important in the workplace, and 80% believe that their generation will have a positive impact on racial and ethnic diversity in the workplace. Generation Z is more diverse than previous generations, and they value diversity and inclusion in the workplace. 
• They’re Socially conscious: A 2019 Cone Communications study found that 94% of Gen Z consumers believe companies should address social and environmental issues, and 66% are willing to pay more for products from socially responsible companies. They care about social and environmental issues and are more likely to work for companies that have a positive impact on society. Something to consider in the future – Gen Z wants to work somewhere that cares about more than just money. They want a workplace that they believe is truly trying to do the right thing. 

• They Want To Work Together: Gen Z has grown up in the social media era, where sharing ideas and working together is simply part of their nature. This was demonstrated by a 2020 study by Workplace from Facebook, that found 71% of Gen Z respondents prefer to work on a team, and 64% say that teamwork is important to their work satisfaction. If you’re creating a role for a Gen Z candidate, ensure it’s not too isolating and opens up avenues to collaborate with other departments. 

Overall, Generation Z brings a unique set of skills and attributes to the workplace that can help businesses stay innovative and leverage the digital age. While you may be a business owner from a different generation, what will set your business apart is your ability to embrace new ways of working and embed the next generation into your workplace.