How Gen Z is Changing The Workplace
With Gen Z just beginning to infiltrate the workforce, their thoughts and ideas are piggy-backing along with them. With this, we are experiencing somewhat of a shift in our work culture, and how businesses and other organizations may operate in the coming years as Gen Z’ers continue to work their way up the corporate ladder and find themselves in leadership positions. As a Gen Z’er myself, I find that older generations have very strong opinions on us; they either love us, or they hate us. Mainly due to our new-aged ideology and how it strays from the traditional values of Baby Boomers or Gen X. From my experience, Gen Z tends to be more resilient and have a greater sense of community compared to our counterparts. But I digress.
In this article, we will be giving an overview and analysis of Cone Communication’s 2019 Gen Z Purpose Study titled “Undivided”.
Now, let’s make something clear, Gen Z spans from 1997 to 2012. Meaning that, as of today, their ages range from 10 to 25. Some have lived over a quarter of their lifetime already, while others are just getting started. Regardless, Gen Z has been through, and is going through some stuff. The world is at unrest, with constant conflict happening across the globe. Politics divide nations (The U.S in particular) into two, with the “middle” not being an appropriate answer. Technology running our lives, sometimes even taking available jobs. A new school shooting every other month. Oh, and not to mention, a worldwide pandemic. I think you get the gist.
As a result, Gen Z has taught themselves, and their peers many lessons on how to navigate today’s world. And if there’s anything that we’ve learned collectively, it’s that we need to come together as a group to solve our issues, rather than pick a side. In fact, 94% of Gen Z’ers believe that we need to come together to make progress on important issues and 83% believe that they can make a difference in our world. While this only skims the surface of our ideology, this has very big implications on the corporate climate
What Does This Mean for Companies?
Simply put, companies and organizations are being held at a much higher standard than they ever have before, and their word won’t just be taken. 93% of this generation believes that if a company makes a commitment, they should have programs and policies in place to back up that commitment. Basically, talk is cheap, but actions speak louder than words. In fact, this has shown to be extremely prevalent. 83% of the generation consider a company’s purpose when deciding where to work or apply, and 72% consider it when deciding what to buy.
Yet, Gen Z doesn’t expect companies to go through it alone. In fact, they’re willing to roll up their sleeves and do some of the dirty work themselves as well. In sum, what they need from companies are the right tools to do the job. They need programs, funding, volunteer opportunities, and support from the organization they’re working for. They’re not asking for the company office itself to gain consciousness and make a change, they just want help and to know they’re supported in their endeavors.
5 Important Things to Know for Companies
Positivity!
Now more than ever, all we see in the news is all the terrible things happening in our world, and media conglomerates ‘stirring the pot’ when it comes to perpetuating fear. Gen Z is so sick and tired of this narrative. By having a positive outlook and narrative on life and relevant issues, Gen Z will back your purpose and get to work.
Speak Their Language
If you want to make a change and speak to this audience, you need to run social media campaigns, or make purpose-driven posts that actually have a positive impact on the space. These can’t just be any ordinary post with no substance. They need to be well thought out ideas that are driven by purpose. Find a cause that best represents your organization and stick to it.
Empower This Generation
While they are a resilient bunch, they’re also highly motivated individuals that will back the purposes they believe in. Show them that they’re appreciated and that their efforts do not go unnoticed. All they want is a little pat on the back for their contributions. After all, who doesn’t?
Find Them Online
As we discussed previously, Gen Z has evolved to have another body part; a cellphone. No matter where they are or what they’re doing, they always have a phone, or are connected to technology one way or another. As a result, they see nearly everything that goes on in our virtual world.
Appeal to Their Motivators
Encourage them to care! If you don’t provide them with a call to action or incentives to spread the word, your efforts will flop. A perfect example of this is when companies or organizations make an Instagram post and say “For every story repost this gets, we’ll plant a tree.” It can be anything along those lines, but Gen Z is all about community and empowering their peers.