16-05-2022

Generation Z in the job market – what is worth knowing?

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It is estimated that by 2025, Generation Z will account for over 20% of the entire job market. How to prepare for it? Who are the representatives of Generation Z? What is important to them and what motivates them to act? What values ​​and what challenges will they bring to the job market? Check it out!

Generation Z – who are its representatives

Generation Z are people born after 1996. In 2022, its oldest representatives are already 26 years old and more and more of them appear on the job market. This generation is a mystery and an unknown for many – its representatives are just entering adulthood, and their childhood and adolescence were marked by an extremely strong influence of technology. How did growing up with a smartphone in their hand affect their emotional intelligence, empathy, and their ability to search for information?
These are questions that remain unanswered for the time being, because people from this generation are still very young, and a significant part of them is still at the stage of education. One thing is certain, however – generation Z is able to cope with new technology like no other, which is a completely natural environment for it. The representatives of the generation check the Internet with every doubt, and it is the Internet that they treat as the main source of information.
Not only information – for them, the Internet is a space for communication, entertainment, making new friends or even dating. It will not be an exaggeration to say that their lives go online – even if only to a certain extent. They are people brought up with values ​​such as equality, tolerance and openness. They know English perfectly and are not afraid to enter into intercultural communication – and the Internet makes it possible for them.

Generation Z – employee characteristics

What characterizes a Generation Z employee? He is a highly individual, dynamic and open to change person. He perfectly fits in the world of technology and multicultural environment. She is not bothered by distance and language barriers. He is not afraid of working remotely or traveling for work purposes. She is great at multitasking, for which she was prepared to navigate through virtual reality. For the same reason, however, she may also be “overwhelmed” and become bored relatively quickly. This is a person for whom the balance between private and professional life is very important. She doesn’t like hierarchy or the corporate style of communication – she is used to treating people as equals.

What motivates them to work?

It is a seemingly simple question, but it will allow you to understand what really matters for Generation Z in the recruitment process and what its representatives are looking for in future employers. In the case of Generation Z, finances, while naturally important, seem less important than for any generation before. So what does it matter? The possibility of remote work, a sense of fulfillment, inclusiveness, development – slogans that sound like cliches are of great value for Generation Z. Young people are opposed to the traditional working model and do not want to spend their lives in the office.
Work-life balance is more important to them than brand recognition or elitism. According to research by Gollup’s State of the American Workforce, Gen Z is also keen to feel that their work matters. They want to know that they really contribute to the change, that their bosses are satisfied with the results of their work, that they have someone on their side who will motivate them. They also like the awareness that they find people in the work environment who care for them as employees.

Generation Z on the job market – how to prepare?

From the point of view of the job market, there are many harmful stereotypes about Generation Z. It is believed that this is a generation of people who did not have to try for anything in their lives, because their parents provided everything for them. It is also claimed that they are addicted to the Internet and cannot find themselves in real reality. It is worth remembering, however, that this “real reality” of Generation Z is simply different. Moreover, although Generation Z did not have to deal with the problems of their parents, it does not mean that their childhood and adolescence went smoothly. The development of new technologies and the mass of information posed completely new and often very difficult challenges to young people.
This is why Generation Z should not be taken from the top. Instead of perceiving his representatives as an enemy or an employee who lacks much from his older colleagues, it is better to focus on their strength and values ​​that they bring to the labor market. Openness to new technologies, care for the balance between private and professional life, taking care of oneself and one’s mental health – these are important features and activities that can constitute the great strength of a new team. It is worth taking advantage of them and treating the Z generation on the labor market as a partner whom we can learn a lot, but who can also give a lot from ourselves.

Generation Z are young people who treat work completely differently than their parents or even the previous generation of Millennials. In order to use the potential of its representatives and find a common language with them, it is worth knowing who they are.

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