Gen Z: Quiet Quitters or an Untapped Asset?
Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, are the latest group to enter the workforce. They get a bad rep for being a generation of TikTokers with low attention spans and little work ethic, but does this have any truth to it?
As they begin their professional careers, they bring a unique set of strengths and abilities to the workplace. Here are some things you may not have considered:
Digital Natives
Gen Z is the first generation to grow up immersed in technology. They are true digital natives who have grown up with smartphones, social media, and instant gratification. As a result, they are incredibly tech-savvy and adept at navigating various digital platforms. This makes them valuable assets to any company, particularly in industries that require digital skills such as marketing, design, and e-commerce. Learning a new software or migrating to a new platform is not a barrier for this generation, it’s a part of how they grew up.
Collaboratives
Gen Z grew up in a world more connected than ever before. Collaboration and teamwork were emphasized. They are accustomed to working in groups and understand the importance of communication and cooperation. This makes them great team players who are willing to listen to different perspectives and work together with more effective levels of communication- yes, emojis are an efficient visual aid for status updates.
Entrepreneurs
One of the positives about growing up in the age of influencers and content at their fingertips, is that inspiration and financial advice became something Gen Z had access to. They are sometimes referred to as the "side hustle generation" because of their entrepreneurial spirit. This means that they are innovative, creative, and always looking for ways to improve processes and find new solutions to problems.
Diverse and Inclusive
They are the most diverse generation in history, with a wide range of races, religions, and sexual orientations. As a result, they are passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. They are not afraid to speak up when they see something that they believe is unfair or unjust. This makes them valuable assets to companies that are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
Multitaskers
Gen Z has grown up in a world of constant stimulation, and as a result, they are excellent multitaskers. They are used to juggling multiple tasks at once and can switch between them seamlessly. This makes them valuable assets to companies that require employees to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
In conclusion, Gen Z brings a unique set of strengths to the workplace. They are tech-savvy, entrepreneurial, diverse, collaborative, multitaskers, and value flexibility. These qualities make them valuable assets to any organization and will undoubtedly shape the future of the workforce. Companies that can harness and leverage these strengths will be well-positioned for success in the years to come.