Generation Z in the professional world: independent, creative, and digital
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reading time: ca. 5 minutes
- Generation Z, i.e. those born between 1995 and 2010, follows Generation Y. In the job market, the young generation of "digital natives" has several expectations towards companies.
- They place particularly high value on security, self-determination, and a purposeful career.
- Their private life has a high priority for young people – more than a successful career. Therefore, they pay close attention to strictly separate job and leisure time.
- Companies in the job market appeal to the young target group, for example, through modern digital working processes, room for personal development, and social engagement. New leadership models and mentoring also play a major role.
The first young people from Generation Z are entering the job market – and they have very different needs compared to previous generations. For Gen Z, security and professional independence are key. At the same time, the separation of work and leisure is more important than ever. This is because Gen Z strives primarily for happiness and self-realisation in their private lives.
Just a moment ago, everything was about the demanding millennials and their changed expectations towards companies. Now the next generation is approaching the job market. Generation Z brings together the needs and values of four generations. At the same time, the "digital natives" are even more technology-savvy than all the generations before them – after all, they are the first generation who completely grew up with digital media and the internet.
Digital from the beginning
Although Generation Y has already been considered to be very tech-savvy, Gen Z is clearly taking it to the next level. The real digital natives have grown up with smartphones, internet, and Co.
From early childhood on, they have been part of a connected online community, thanks to mobile internet and social media – a real advantage in the increasingly global working world. So, it's no wonder that Gen Z is particularly attracted to companies that offer advanced digital technologies and thus enable efficient working.
Generation Z greatly benefits from the technological possibilities of the last two decades. Having grown up in a digital world, they are very familiar with media and the information flood in the web. This is why they primarily search for jobs online, for example via social media channels.
Private happiness has priority
When it comes to achieving their goals, Gen Z is just as ambitious as Generation X and Generation Y, although professional success is not their focus.
Leisure and private life are extremely important to them. Only very few are willing to sacrifice their free time for professional success or leadership responsibility.
Above all, they strive for personal development in their private lives. Friendships, relationships, and hobbies are more important than jobs or money, for example.
What really counts? Being happy, no matter how you get there. All studies and surveys among young people agree on this.
Generation Z in the professional world
Not only do the values of Gen Z differ from previous generations, also the expectations towards employers have changed. Status and professional prestige have become less important. Also, the loyalty to the employer is declining.
Generation Z is looking for self-realisation and fun at work. To achieve this, they are willing to change jobs frequently. Working for the same company all your life? Hardly imaginable for them!
This is what employers can offer Generation Z
In order to remain attractive for graduates and young professionals in the future, companies must keep up with the times and pay attention to the wishes of Gen Z.
Benefits such as home office and flexible working hours are no longer a competitive advantage in the job market, but a matter of course for the younger generation.
Companies that respond to their values, offer career security and promote new working models are attractive for Generation Z.
Gen Z and the future of the working world
All the generations with their different characteristics together in one working world: Even if different interests collide, the constellation offers great potential.
Gen Z is convinced of their positive influence on everyday working life: With new ideas and ways of working as well as with their technological know-how, they want to breathe new life into the working world.
Together with the strengths of all the different generations, this creates many opportunities, innovations, and a new understanding of social responsibility in the job market.
