Gen Z is the post-millennial generation born between 1995 and 2010, with the oldest members of the generation now entering the workplace.
Gen Z arrives in the workplace with an instinctive and working knowledge of all things digital, after being brought up in a world where tablets, smartphones and social media were constantly at their fingertips. Confidence across online platforms often exceeds that of previous generations, bringing with them an abundance of valuable social and digital insights.
Natural entrepreneurship and competitive drive
Studies have found that Gen Z employees are often more competitive and independent, in comparison to their millennial counterparts. The generation is also well-known for their competitive edge when it comes upstaging one another to get the job role they desire. Despite their age, an entrepreneurial spirit is rife within Gen Z. Growing up watching people the same age launch successful businesses, paying particular attention to the role that social media has played in this, Gen Z is eager to take on additional workloads and independent projects.
When developing workplace training for Gen Z employees, you should consider integrating leadership development courses as part of this. This could support in building their confidence as managers, establish the skills they need to reach their career goals and instil leadership values into them at the beginning of their career.
Structural, security and multi-tasking
Gen Z employees appreciate structure within their workplace, however, management must find the ideal balance between offering them a structured working experience and ensuring that they don't micromanage. Offering stability and security is key to ensuring that management engages with Gen Z. They have an understanding and insight into the aftermath of the recession, and therefore they have an urge to know that they have both job security and a future career path. Finally, multitasking is one of Gen Z-ers crowning abilities. Growing up switching from one application to another, seamlessly and quickly whilst completing multiple tasks means that they are able to deal with highly busy environments.
During workplace training, work with your Gen Z employees to understand their preferred career path. You can then develop strategic objectives and training courses to ensure that your employees achieve them and work with them to optimise their key skills to benefit both themselves and your business.
Office etiquette and professional communications
Despite their many digital skills, innovative ideas and killer drive, Gen Z have may enter the workplace with a lesser understanding of how to behave in an office and traditional settings and moreover, be lacking in professional writing skills.
Integrating conversations into the training process can support in establishing the way in which rules need to be followed, from anything as simple as the dress code to lunch breaks and working hours. Equally, writing for professional communications should also be included in workplace training. Gen Z is all about communicating via instant messengers, text and on social media, rather than traditional writing, such as emails and letters. Managers must ensure that their Gen Z employees have the opportunity to brush up on these skills ahead of entering the workplace and communicating directly to stakeholders.