Just when you thought you figured our millennials, along come Generation Z!
Generation Z is typically characterised as those who were born from the mid-1990s to mid-2000s. Most of Generation Z have used the Internet since a young age, and they are generally comfortable with technology and with interacting on social media. They tend to be more racially diverse and more inclined to entrepreneurialism. They spend more time online and use phones more than television for entertainment.
Interestingly, research suggests the aspirations and characteristics of Gen Z differ significantly from those of millennials and in fact this may be an easier generation for those baby boomers and generation X to understand than the Millennials.
Millennials aspire to be financially stable, whereas Gen Z aspire to be working in their dream job within the next ten years. So how do you manage them? Well firstly you need to understand their strengths and weaknesses, and what they want from a company.
Gen Z Strengths
• The most tech competent of any generation
• Natural entrepreneurs
• The “always on” generation
Gen Z Weaknesses
• More cynical than their predecessors, favouring a realistic outlook over the idealism of Gen Y
• Unlikely to show too much company loyalty
• Very reliant on technology to solve problems for them
What exactly is Gen Z looking for in a company?
• Gen Z will choose opportunities for growth over salary
• Looking for leadership opportunities before work stability
• Adaptable to change
• Technology driven
• Fast moving
How do you keep Generation Z happy and manage them?
• Create a flexible working environment
• Provide open spaces and modern offices
• Ensure that they have time to collaborate with colleagues
• Encourage face time with senior managers
• Provide a commitment to personal and professional growth through training opportunities
• Embed them into your organisation and other generations carefully