Generation Z Characteristics In The Workplace

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Generation Z refers to people who were born between 1995 and 2015. If you’re doing the math, you’ve figured that some of them have already entered the workplace. This might leave you wondering what to expect from Gen Z and what their workplace habits are and will be.

Key Takeaways:

• Generation Z refers to people who were born roughly between 1995 and 2015. They’re just entering the workforce and will begin flooding it soon.

• Generation Z is very different from millennials, and they have different characteristics.

• Generation Z was very influenced by their parents who are largely from Gen X.

• The recession and Covid-19 have impacted the personalities and the work traits of Gen Z.

Who Is Generation Z?

Generation Z is different from the millennials everyone loves to complain about. Also called the zoomer generation, Gen Z grew up with technology in a way that no other generation has before.

They’ve had a phone in their hands virtually their entire lives, and many of them witnessed the 2008 recession firsthand; some even saw their parents lose jobs. They also vividly remember what Covid-19 did to the workplace.

Most of their parents are Gen Xers, and some of them are from Gen Y. This has interestingly prepared them to enter the workforce with a practical mindset. Let’s take a deeper look.

10 Generation Z Characteristics

Most of their characteristics play out in their personal lives as well as their professional lives because being authentic is a key part of their make-up.

Independent Workers

Most Gen Z is comfortable working alone and actually prefer it. They enjoy the feeling of accomplishing something on their own, and they have confidence in their abilities. Being the children of Gen X, the most independent generation in a long time, they’ve learned self-sufficiency and how to figure stuff out.

They’re Tech Wizards

This isn’t a surprise since they’ve been helping adults with technology since they could talk. This generation is seamless with technology, it’s second nature to them, and they couldn’t even imagine how to function without it. Expect fantastic things in the world of tech as they start making their way in the world.

They Like Human Contact

Interestingly, even though they text, Insta, and Snap non-stop, they still like human contact and traditional conversations. They enjoy the verbal and physical cues they get from other people and are happy to slip back into a world where people go into the office and have meetings – but not full-time.

Digital Nomads

Most Gen Z has done some of their education remotely. They will expect this to bleed into their work life. While they may like to communicate in person, they’re going to want to have the flexibility to work from home or anywhere else.

They also will expect to have more flexibility. In addition to the traditional office being a thing of the past, normal work hours may also be thrown out the window.

They’re Political, and Care

This group of kids is super-intelligent. They are so politically savvy that they put most other generations to shame. They understand the importance of science, they recycle and upcycle, they care about their environmental footprint, and climate change is very important to them. They’re going to do great things that can potentially have huge benefits for everyone.

They Are Inclusive

This generation has been taught empathy like no other generation before. They are fully accepting of other people no matter what their differences are, and this will be reflected in the workplace. They’re going to expect to see their employers step up and display a culture of inclusion and acceptance, or they may leave to find a better job environment.

Stability is Important

Almost the opposite of the millennials, this generation values stability and wants to have a job they can depend on. They’re risk-averse, and some might even say a bit more complacent.

The 2008 recession hit a lot of them in a way they felt that they don’t want economic instability. They have also learned how important a good benefits package is and consider that a part of their overall health and well-being.

Competition is Key

Most of these kids grew up doing some sort of sport or playing copious amounts of video games. It’s no wonder that as they become young adults and enter the workplace, they’re ready to show off their skills and fight to earn a top-ranking position.

They Are Money Driven

How much they make matters to them. While this generation isn’t what you’d call greedy, they do value money, and that part of their job will be a top priority. This is a departure from millennials who were looking for purpose and meaning in their professional life.

Work/Life Balance Is Important

This generation, like just about everyone before it, is getting knocked out for being lazy — they’re not. They’ve just started entering the workforce, and the first few years are tough for anyone to get used to.

One thing that is true is that they have a solid idea of what a work/life balance is, and they’re not going to be working massive overtime, taking on two jobs, or doubling up on shifts. This generation wants to enjoy their personal and professional lives.

How To Work With Gen Z

It’s estimated that by 2030 approximately 30% of the workforce will be Generation Z. Those zoomers are coming, and that’s not a bad thing. If you’re going to be working with this generation, they’ll appreciate a hands-on mentorship approach to show them the ropes so they can learn their job and succeed. Just let them work on their own so they can develop a sense of ownership.

They’ll expect their co-workers and employers to be evolved when it comes to social issues, environmental concerns, and inclusion. This is going to be a critical point for them because this is part of their fiber.

Competition, success, stability, and pay will all be things they consider when taking a job and working their way up the ladder. Expect many of them to push to climb quickly and do a good job. They don’t expect praise and pay without proving themselves. This is certainly not an entitled bunch.

Finally, enjoy what they can do with technology. We’ve only seen the tip of the tech iceberg, and this is a generation that’s going to open more doors and create even more opportunities.

Gen Z FAQ

1. What is Generation Z?

   Generation Z refers to people born somewhere around 1995 and 2015, give or take a year on either side. This generation began entering the workforce professionally between 2000 and 2015, and more of them will start working every year. It’s estimated that by 2030, 30% of the workforce will be Gen Z.

2. What’s a zoomer?

   Generation Z has also been given the nickname zoomer. It’s a take on the baby boomer term and the fact that the term boomer was turned into an insult by this very generation.

3. What’s Gen Z like in the workplace?

   Generation Z has proven itself to be diligent and efficient in the workplace. It’s been a difficult road into a career path for this group with increased work competition and Covid-19 changing the shape of employment. They’ve struggled to get their foot in the door, but those who have are proving to be excellent employees.

4. Which generation is better, Gen Z or Millennials?

   Neither generation is better than the other. Each generation tends to have different characteristics that are determined by their parents and the era in which they grew up. In some instances, a millennial’s characteristics may be preferable, and in others, the Gen Z approach might be better.

Author

Kristin Kizer

Kristin Kizer is an award-winning writer, television and documentary producer, and content specialist who has worked on a wide variety of written, broadcast, and electronic publications. A former writer/producer for The Discovery Channel, she is now a freelance writer and delighted to be sharing her talents and time with the wonderful Zippia audience.