Generation Z, also known as Gen Z or iGen, refers to the demographic cohort following the Millennials. The exact birth years that define Gen Z can vary, but it generally includes people born between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s. This makes the oldest members of Gen Z in their late twenties and the youngest still in their early teens. So, if they are not already, Generation Z will be taking over your workplace soon.
Generation Z characteristics in the workplace
Gen Z is the most diverse and educated generation yet, and they have grown up in a world vastly different from the one their parents and grandparents knew. They are the first generation to have grown up with smartphones and social media, and as a result, technology and the internet have significantly impacted their lives and how they interact with the world. They are also the first to have grown up during economic uncertainty and global terrorism, shaping their outlook and values.
Gen Z is also often considered to be more entrepreneurial and independent than previous generations. They are often characterised as being confident, self-reliant, and open-minded. They are also known to be more politically and socially aware and have more progressive views on issues such as race, gender, and sexuality.
They are highly adaptive to rapid changes and are very good at multitasking, probably because of their constant exposure to digital devices. They have developed skills that allow them to easily switch between different types of media and platforms, which make them natural navigators of the digital landscape.
Gen Z is also known for being interested in causes and community-oriented — they look for deeper connections to issues and meaning in their work. They tend to support the causes they believe in and want to make a difference in the world around them.
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Flexible working arrangements for Gen Zers
Flexible working arrangements can provide various benefits for Gen Z, who value work-life balance and flexibility in their careers. Nearly 75% of Gen Zers say that workplace flexibility is the number one employee benefit they want.
According to a study from GOBankingRates, over half of Gen Z likes remote work; 29% say they prefer to work remotely (the lowest of any generation), and 27% say remote working is a necessity (the highest of any generation).
Image source: GoBankingRates.com.
Some of the potential benefits of flexible arrangements for Generation Z in the workplace include:
Increased job satisfaction
Allowing employees to control their schedules and work environments can lead to increased job satisfaction and engagement. Gen Z values the autonomy and self-reliance of working in a flexible environment.
Gen Zers are often considered more entrepreneurial and independent than previous generations and are more open to taking risks and trying new things. They may be more likely to propose new ideas and projects and take ownership of their work if they are given the freedom to.
Gen Z also values having a sense of purpose and meaning in their work. They want to feel like their job is making a meaningful contribution to society and working towards something greater than just a paycheck. Job satisfaction is closely tied to this sense of purpose and meaning. They are more likely to be satisfied with a job that allows them to make a positive impact or gives them the flexibility to focus their time and energy on non-work-related projects that make a difference to the world.
Improved work-life balance
According to a recent study by Deloitte, 46% of Gen Zers say they are stressed all or most of the time, and very aware of the negative impact that stress and burnout can have on mental and physical health. They understand that working too much can lead to fatigue, poor health, and poor job performance. They are looking for companies that understand the importance of this and offer flexible working hours, time off, and other benefits that support a healthy balance between work and personal life.
Unlike previous generations, Gen Z has grown up with more access to technology and information and has a different perception of what is important in life. Believe it or not, they are more focused on experiences and personal growth rather than material possessions. They, therefore, want to be able to have time and flexibility to pursue their interests and passions.
Gen Z also has different work expectations than previous generations. They are looking for jobs that align with their values and passions and that will give them a sense of purpose. They want to make a positive impact in the world and are willing to trade high-paying jobs for those that align with their values.
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Greater productivity
Flexible working arrangements can lead to greater productivity as employees may be more motivated to complete their work when they can do so in a way that works best for them.
Due to constant exposure to digital devices, Gen Z’ers have developed skills that allow them to easily switch between different media and platforms, making them natural digital navigators. They are also able to prioritise their tasks and manage their time effectively. They know they don’t need to be sitting at a desk in an office to get their job done well, so they value the flexibility of remote working and hybrid workplace solutions like hot desking.
Generation Z is highly proficient in a wide range of digital tools and platforms and can effectively use these tools to collaborate and communicate with others in the workplace. This includes smart office technology, instant messaging apps and video conferencing tools to communicate with team members, and project management software to collaborate on projects and track progress.
Attraction and retention
In a tight job market, with the latest technologies that allow for remote work, companies that offer flexible working arrangements are more likely to attract and retain top talent, especially those from Gen Z. A study by the Workforce Institute at Kronos reported that 33% of Gen Zers say they would never tolerate an employer that gave them “no say” over their work schedule,
They value opportunities for personal growth and development, and flexible working opportunities can help to provide this. By allowing employees to set their schedule or work from home, companies can help employees to have the flexibility they need to pursue their interests and passions, which can be attractive to Gen Z employees.
Greater innovation and creativity
By allowing employees to work in a way that suits them best, companies can tap into their employees’ unique talents and abilities and foster greater innovation and creativity. Flexible working options can also allow employees to work in an environment that is most comfortable and conducive to their productivity and creativity, whether a home office or a café.
Reduced absenteeism and turnover
Employees who have flexible working arrangements are less likely to take time off due to personal or family responsibilities, which can reduce absenteeism and turnover rates.
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It’s important to note that while flexible working arrangements can be beneficial for Gen Z, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s important to consider how it would affect individual employees and the overall organisation.
To stay informed on the latest developments in Gen Z workplace practices, check out the Cloudbooking blog. Looking for a way to streamline collaboration and communication among your hybrid teams? Look no further than Cloudbooking’s desk booking and meeting room booking solutions. Interested in seeing these tools in action? Reach out to our team to schedule a free demonstration.
