5 Generation Z Characteristics In The Workplace

In order to better run a business, it is absolutely essential to build a better understanding and relationship with your employees. By familiarizing yourself with the characteristics and traits of your employees, you’ll have a much better chance of motivating these individuals, while also improving their productivity for the betterment of your business. Below, you’ll learn about the characteristics, which have defined those within the Generation Z classification.

More Cynical
In the past, students, who were just leaving college, were enthusiastic and excited about their chances of succeeding in the world. The world felt like a much better place and the world economy was on the up and up. Today, things are much different and this has dramatically changed the mindsets and attitudes of college graduates. Now, they’re much more cynical and realistic than previous generations. The impact of a tough economy and the harsh realities of life have taken a major toll on these individuals.

These individuals aren’t entirely pessimistic though. They’re still happy and have adjusted well to society, but they’re less giddy and optimistic than people from year’s past. They’re realistic and slightly jaded, so employers will need to put in a great deal of effort, in order to motivate and inspire each of their Generation Z employees. Suffice to say, they won’t go the extra step, unless you give them plenty of reason to do so!

A Desire For Privacy
Over the year few years, a bigger emphasis has been placed on privacy and this has greatly impacted Generation Z. Much of this has to do with the Internet and the enhancement of technology. Nowadays, college-aged individuals understand that they’re tracked and followed digitally everywhere they go. Even when they’re away from their computers and phones, their movements are tracked by cameras. This has played a major role in adapting these individuals into what they are today. Instead of seeking attention and attempting to become the most noticeable face in the crowd, many from this era are actually looking for additional privacy.

These individuals don’t like being tracked and you shouldn’t expect them to open up right away. They may be talkative and outgoing, but you’ll need to stick with them and remain diligent, in order to build a real relationship with these employees.

Ability To Multi-Task
Although Generation Z can be associated with many negative traits, they’re also very beneficial for employers for a handful of reasons. Mainly, these individuals grew up around technology and have used it for a longer period of time than those that came before them. Millennials can be great, since they’re good at multi-tasking and often work with at least two screens at once. Generation Z has taken this one step further and is capable of working with four or five computer screens at once. Their minds are capable of analyzing data much more rapidly than ever before and this will prove to be advantageous for employers.

This helps to make Generation Z workers perfect for technological aligned jobs, such as those within the IT or software development industries. However, there is one slight drawback associated with this trait. Since they’ll remain engrossed in their digital screens, they’re much less attentive to those around them and will be more likely to ignore verbal commands. So, employers will want to consider giving orders in written or digital format.

Short Lived
In the past, workers strongly believed in sticking with a company for an extensive period of time. Doing so proved to be beneficial and past workers saw the potential future benefits of sticking with a company for a long duration. Generation Z is completely different. A recent study, which analyzed this generation and their future outlook, the mass majority of these individuals admitted that they intended to work with several different companies throughout their professional careers. Most believed they would work with four or more companies, during their careers.

So, companies need to prepare for a quick exit from each of their Generation Z employees. If you’re lucky, you may be able to get a few years of work from these individuals, but a lot of them won’t make it that long. Suffice to say, Generation Z students and workers simply have no intention of becoming company lifers and are much more likely to disappear than those born before them. They’re efficient and reliable while they last, but it is pertinent to be ready to replace these individuals at a moment’s notice.

Flexibility
Generation Z will definitely be a challenging age group to work with, but with the right information and training, you will know exactly what to expect and how to deal with them. Young teenagers and adults between the ages of 16 and 20 are going to want a flexible work schedule. Employers will be expected to compromise and offer an alternative to the traditional fixed schedule, which required all employees to work a full 40-hour week. Today’s employers are becoming more aware of the Generation Z employee expectations and many of them are willing to make exceptions.

A flexible schedule will offer the employee the ability to negotiate and develop a schedule that is suitable for them and their employer. Of course, the employee will be required to work the hours outlined in the schedule and the employer will not be able to place any further demands. This could potentially work out very well for all parties involved, as long as everyone is willing to except their responsibilities and adhere to the agreement.

Conclusion
It is obvious that Generation Z is going to be in a different class than the traditional employee, who felt compelled to comply with the company’s requirements. The freedom to have a voice in the futuristic workforce will definitely open up many possibilities for all employees. While, it may take employer’s a little getting used to, it could prove to be very beneficial for all parties involved. Now, this does not mean that Generation Z will not be expected to be responsible and dedicated employees, but employers will need to be prepared and willing to compromise.