Gen Z is on the horizon: Here’s what you need to know!

Generation Z began entering the workforce in 2017. 11,000 new Gen Z employees enter the workforce every day. Like every other generation, Gen Z has a unique perspective of the world and particular expectation of the workplace.

Soon, Generation Z will have a major presence in the workplace, the marketplace, and your credit union.

You might think that because Gen Z comes right behind the “Me-Centric” Millennial they are very similar. They are, however, different from Millennials in many ways. The “We-Centric” Gen Z has different values, preferences, and perspectives.

Gen Z, with members born between 1997–2012, is 70 million strong, and are the most diverse generation in U.S. history. The following are some facts we have learned so far about this generation.

The top 10 things you need to know about Gen Z:

1. They are the true “digital natives” born into the era of Wi-Fi, Google, and social media. They know how to take a selfie and talk to Gramma via FaceTime, and they played their first game, Peek-a-Boo Zoo, on Mom’s cell phone.
2. They are very resourceful—they love YouTube (and TicTok) and use it as a resource to find out how to do anything. They can figure things out for themselves without adult supervision. They’re the first generation that literally believes they don’t need you (or any adult) for knowledge – they feel they can get it online. (Ouch!)
3. Independent learners make up this generation. In addition to using YouTube, they love online educational resources such as TED Talks, Master Class, LinkedIn Learning, blogs, podcasts, etc.—they are all about the pursuit of knowledge.
4. Because they are finding their own answers, they are doers and activists—they jump in and do—which means that they may be asking for your forgiveness rather than your permission.
5. Gen Z has never known a world without social media. They’ve grown up with Snapchat and Instagram friends (Facebook’s for their parents!) and a world where it’s easier to make connections digitally than in the real world. But those connections lack substance. Many are looking for environments where they can form meaningful relationships connected by a common culture. Hopefully the workplace will be a place for them to grow relationships, learn from other generations, and feel a part of the culture.
6. They are realists and know that they live in a world that has never felt safe. Although most of this generation does not remember 9/11, they are aware of school shootings and terrorists acts.  And it’s scary. They look for cultures where they feel safe and supported more than ever. They hear the news constantly with the 24-hour news cycles and social media postings. Many are growing up in homes that were significantly affected by the Great Recession, fires, and floods.
7. Gen Z’s attention span is down to eight seconds. They live in a world of continuous updates, and they process information faster than other generations thanks to apps like Snapchat and TicTok.
8. Although this generation can be less focused than their Millennial counterparts, they are champion multi-taskers. In school, they will create a document on their school computer, do research on their phone or tablet, take notes on a notepad, and then finish in front of the TV with a laptop, while facetiming a friend. Do you know anyone like this?
9. They’re altruistic and not afraid of work. About 60 percent say that they would like to have a job that makes the world a better place. Volunteer work adds meaning to their lives and is sought by 26 percent of them. Plus, 76 percent are worried about protecting the environment. This generation is not afraid to work hard for a meaningful cause. They want substance. Employers who give them something significant to be a part of will retain the talent. Make the connection to something greater than just the job or work  itself and they are  sold.
10. They are justice-minded, have a heart for a mission, and get out there to make it happen. They volunteer, they invest their time, and they sign up! Maybe they will vote? Time will tell. Gen Zs are independent and they like their own space. They enjoy working alone on a project, and they do not appear to be as collaborative as the Millennials. And here’s some good or, maybe, bad news for parents. While Millennials could be comfortable in their parents’ house, Gen Z strives for financial independence. They want to have a place of their own to call home.

 
As more and more of this generation enter the workplace, more characteristics and preferences will be discovered. It is going to be an adventure learning about them!