Who is Gen Z? What do they value?
“Let's practice motivation and love, not discrimination and hate.” – Zendaya
Generation Z - The Next Generation
The first keynote I gave over a decade ago was about the generations in the workplace. I talked about misunderstandings, conflict, mentoring, and growth. I still deliver those keynotes but now I add a new generation into the workplace – Gen Z. The conversation isn’t about Boomers and Millennials anymore (sorry as always to the perpetually overlooked Gen X) but about how all three generations can manage the newest generation in the workplace. “I’m a Millennial manager” and all. So what does Gen Z want? Here’s what research – both hard data and lived experiences – tell us.
1. Authenticity & Inclusion: Gen Z is one of the most identity-diverse generations, ever. Those overlapping identities bring new thoughts, ideas, and approaches to how we view inclusion. And authenticity matters. That’s what they want from their peers, their managers, and the companies for which they work. How is your company demonstrating authenticity? What actions are you taking for inclusion?
2. Ethics & Social Responsibility: Gen Z tends to seek out and stay loyal to organizations that have values that align with theirs. They hold their employers accountable for taking action and not simply checking boxes. This new generation feels a need to work towards building something better for themselves and our world, and for many, this includes working for organizations that foster equality, sustainability, and social justice.
3. Growth & Development: Motivated by a desire to succeed, Gen Z workers are ready to improve their skills and learn what is needed to move forward in their careers. Gen Zers want to work for organizations that are willing to train them, offer continued education, mentorship programs, and provide real pathways toward advancement. But you know what they also want to do? Work for organizations that pay them a fair wage. Which leads to the last point …
4. A Transparent Workplace: Millennials graduated from school into a housing crisis. Gen Z graduated from school into a pandemic and post-pandemic world. The changes that Millennials demanded after the recession – flexible working hours, gender equity, work-values alignment, mobile workplace technology – are necessities for this generation. And while Millennials wanted a seat at the table, Gen Z wants full transparency on how the table is run. They want names, backgrounds, information, clarity. In a world made thoroughly democratic by social media, Gen Z expects the same transparency from their leaders and peers. How are you going to navigate that? How will you balance offering as much information as possible with moving in directions they may not agree with?
Generations aren’t perfect microcosms of the world. But understanding the global circumstances into which each cohort of your employees was born into, and how they might view your team because of the shared touchstones they have, is crucial to designing a workplace where everyone feels they can belong and thrive. So go ahead and share that Millennial Manager video. Talk about Cowboy Carter. And head into the office and grab a coffee with them, just to talk. Because even though a lot of things have changed, making time for each other never will.
Do the work
This week, I commit to recognizing and embracing the unique perspectives, experiences, and values of Gen Z, integrating their technology practices and communication styles, seeking out collaboration with Gen Z colleagues, and if I am in the position, providing opportunities for growth and development.
Spread the word
If you want to keep going
How to Manage the Next Generation at Work
Welcome to the next generation!
Join me to learn how we can all successfully navigate generational differences at work. In this highly interactive and engaging program, I use news clips, commercials, music, and cultural touchpoints to navigate attendees through a world of inter-generational communication and changing dialogue. We learn the history of the five generations in the workplace, how each generation puts its own unique stamp on their organization, and how best to recognize, engage with, and grow from the challenges presented by these differences. The goal, as always, is to build a workplace centered on inclusion and belonging for all of us.
