Generation Z

Generation Z, centennials, Gen C, the internet generation, Gen-Z, post-millennials, the multitasking generation, the silent generation, and finally zoomers – each of these terms describes the generation currently entering the job market. Generation Z comprises individuals born from 1995 to 2012, although different sources define this generation with varying years. According to The Futures Company, zoomers are those born after 1997. Kelley School of Business holds a similar view, defining Generation Z as those born between 1997 and 2012. American journalist Bruce Horovitz, on the other hand, believes this generation includes children born between 1997 and 2010.

Generation Z – Definition

The most controversial opinion on this matter was issued by the American communications and marketing agency Frak N. Magid Associates, which maintains that Gen C includes all individuals born after 1997 to the present day. They refer to them as the “Pluralist Generation” or “Plurals,” characterised by immense respect for social and cultural differences (social pluralism). However, this definition of Generation Z's birth years excludes an additional official 'generational division' – Generation Alpha, which includes everyone born after 2010.

Despite minor differences in defining the birth years of Generation Z, its representatives are predominantly the younger siblings of Generation Y (millennials), the children of Generation X (and sometimes also younger siblings), and the grandchildren of baby boomers.

Generation Z – Characteristics

All specialists agree on one point: zoomers are the first generation to grow up in a completely digitalised society. They don't remember a world without colour television or widespread internet access – when there still weren't many computers in Polish homes, Generation Z members were still young children. Navigation and online maps are the standard version of paper maps for Gen Z, and for many of them, their first mobile phones were already smartphones.

Zoomers grew up (and a significant portion are still growing up) surrounded by social media and apps, enabling them to navigate new technologies with ease. This internet generation moves effortlessly in the online world and can efficiently search for information online. Often, a large number of their acquaintances are people from other parts of the world or country, met precisely online.

Generation Z is being raised during years of prosperity – especially compared to Gen X or boomers, whose childhood/birth years fell during times of economic crisis (Gen X) and post-war periods (baby boomers). "Prosperity" in this context doesn't, of course, mean that all Gen Z children grow up in wealthy families, but rather in a world offering them relatively easy access to education, travel, culture, and personal development, and which is increasingly inclusive. When their parents' financial situation allows, they often strive to provide them with access to what they themselves lacked – foreign trips or activities that develop their passions and abilities.

Widespread internet access, and thus easy contact with people from diverse cultural groups, has meant that Generation Z individuals usually possess a high social and environmental awareness. They are sensitive to injustice, fighting for equality and fair treatment. They are often courageous, not afraid of significant changes – to improve their life situation, they might, for instance, spontaneously move abroad. Moreover, they are not easily deceived. Zoomers can efficiently verify the authenticity of an online store, are much less likely than older generations to fall for SMS or email money scams, and quickly expose and widely publicise so-called scammers or dishonest company practices (e.g., greenwashing).

Generation Z in the workplace – what characterises them?

Although Generation Z individuals are still very young and a significant portion are only just entering the labour market (or will in a few years), they usually do so with impact. They readily share opinions about employers online, warning others of potential bad practices. They effectively combat bullying, professional injustice, and employee exploitation, shoulder to shoulder with millennials. This is one of the reasons why zoomers are portrayed as demanding – but unfairly so. Young people strive to improve the situation of workers, and their determination and ease of online communication or publicising various cases mean that unequal treatment of employees, discrimination, lack of overtime pay, and other poor employment practices are indeed slowly becoming a thing of the past.

How does Generation Z work?

Generation Z in the workplace also demonstrates natural multitasking. Their familiarity with the internet and technologically advanced devices from an early age means zoomers handle several tasks simultaneously well. They can talk to someone in person while typing messages on a smartphone messenger or scrolling social media, and at the same time choose new clothes in a store. Thanks to this, at work, they can easily participate in a video conference, responding to emails or conducting research at the same time. However, they may struggle with focusing entirely on one thing. Moreover, they can be prone to overstimulation, and thus their productivity often drops faster than that of older, "non-computer" generations, such as baby boomers.

What is important for Generation Z in their work?

Contrary to stereotypes, Generation Z is not demanding. According to many market studies to date, including the report "The Professional Alphabet of the Generation, or Young People at Work" published by Aterima HR, for working zoomers, self-development (participation in training, interesting projects) and transparent management are much more important than high earnings or rapid career progression. A strong motivator for them will be regular feedback on their work, as well as a pleasant team atmosphere. Those who are just seeking employment pay much more attention to a clear job description and scope of duties, as well as good company reviews on forums, rather than earnings or offered benefits.

Moreover, zoomers value professional stability, though they are not afraid to change jobs overnight. They care about working in a good place – in a company that treats employees with dignity and appreciates their efforts and achievements. If the organisation meets their expectations, especially regarding working conditions and atmosphere, they will happily stay for many years. However, if they encounter poor treatment, they will look for a new place and will most likely give the employer an honest review online or among friends. They may also decide to change jobs if their current one hinders their personal development.

What type of work do zoomers choose?

Given that zoomers are highly proficient with online services and new technologies, they often choose the IT or internet marketing industries. For many of them, the possibility of remote work – in a hybrid system or full home office – is important. Their familiarity with the internet also translates into efficient information searching skills and ease of serving customers online. Generation Z can also quickly and accurately assess which company rules, guidelines, or system elements are nonsensical and how they can be improved. As a result, the Lean Management system is very well received among Generation Z.

It is also worth mentioning that a significant portion of Gen Z is well-versed in the world of computer games and animation. Many individuals will therefore seek employment in roles such as programmer, game tester, or graphic designer.

Zoomers also appreciate automation in the workplace. They dislike manually performing tasks that known technological solutions could significantly accelerate. They therefore thrive in organisations that utilise HRM systems that improve communication and other software that simplifies organisational life.