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Supervising and Managing Post-Millennials or “Generation Z”
– written by Cliff Pryor
Most people are very familiar with terms to describe generations of Americans born between specific time frames. “Baby boomers” are those born from the end of WWII to the mid-1960’s while “millennials” are those born from the mid-1980s to the late 1990s. What about the latest group? Those born between the late 1990s to the early 2010’s? This group is referred to as “Generation Z.” Hiring Gen Z – What to Expect.
Generation Z is composed of those born between 1996 and 2012. They currently make up 25% of the American population. These young people are already out in droves in the workforce and will continue to do so for the next few decades. This means they will be working for us and with us. And for some, we will be working for them. Hiring Gen Z – What to Expect
Who is Gen Z
So who makes up Generation Z and why are they any different from previous generations? Of the approximately 85 million Americans that make up Generation Z, 54% of them are non-Hispanic Caucasian, 24% are Hispanic, 14% African-American, 4% Asian, and 4% are multiracial or other. What makes them different from previous generations is the technological environment that was born in. Those in Generation Z have little to no recognition of the events of 9/11 but have always known hand-held computers. Having had their photos posted publicly since they were babies and continuing to do so themselves as teens and older, they have come of age publicly. They are used to and expect instant gratification.
Generation Z is Independent
Broadly speaking, Generation Z is independent, entrepreneurial, conservative, private, risk-averse, and multi-tasking pros. They also highly value education. This generation places little trust in advertisements. They trust family and friends more than any kind of advertising. The majority of them spend 10 or more hours per day on social media ranging from Twitter, Snapchat, Whisper, Instagram, Tumblr, and Facebook. Indeed, the internet in general and social media is the first choice for answers for Generation Z.
Generation Z and Instant Communication
To gain perspective of someone from Generation Z, realize that they have never known a world in which they could not be in a conversation with anyone, anywhere at any time. They have also never known a world in which they do not have instant access to information. This makes them adept researchers. When they want information, 33% will watch lessons online, while 20% will read textbooks on tablets. Another 32% will watch with classmates online.
Millenial-phobic
Generation Z is mindful of the negative attitudes towards Millennials and strives to avoid the same stereotypes that have befallen their parents (most are Millennials). Fortunately, Generation Z exhibits some highly desirable personal and personality traits such as: being ambitious, highly energetic, enthusiastic, loyal, open-minded, multi-tasker, optimistic, and seen as collaborators.
Technologically Dependent
However, due to their dependence on smartphones and other devices, Generation Z does have some issues. These include lack of communication skills, lack of problem-solving abilities, and who to go to for advice when needed. They also have very little patience for inefficiencies at work and at home.
Old school work ethic
As for work, Generation Z looks for many of the same values that earlier generations have also desired. These include equal opportunity for pay and promotion, opportunities to learn, and advance in their career. Gen Z is looking for fair compensation and excellent benefits as well as job security. They would like flexibility as to where and when they work and also interested in working in a diverse environment.
Say that to my face
Also, like previous generations, Generation Z prefers to be spoken with in person. Notify them by electronic means but talk to them in person. Utilize traditional methods of communication and invite them to meetings. Generation Z wants to be taken seriously, but they also recognize and seek out mentoring and mentorships. They wish to work for honest leaders.
Is their room for advancement?
Beyond a fair salary, Generation Z wishes to have regular and consistent training. Their number 1 wants are career progress and professional growth. They strive for awards and dream positions.
Generation Z has much to offer this and future generations, but their life experience is far different than what any previous generation has experienced.
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What article about generation z. I myself am I generation Xer. However I am typing this comment out using voice to text. And I listen to the entire article with an electronic reader that read the article out loud for me. I think the Gap between generation x and generation y is smaller than the gap between generation x and millennials. I do look forward to working with a generation with a good work ethic. I believe firmly that that’s what we’ve been missing for the last decade or so. Thanks for the article.
Thanks for your “up to the minute” reply utilizing the latest in technology! I had to laugh because just 5 years ago my boss at the time was still printing out hard copy schedules to give to the guards. I got to the point where I would simply post the schedule on the message board and let the guards take a picture of the schedule with their smart phone.
This was a very insightful blog post. I enjoyed it due to the fact that it helps us understand the Gen X which a lot of people, I myself included, were confused about and some even make hasty judgements on them. Like all past groups of people or generations there are positives and negative and every single person on this planet is different so that will always be the case. Times will change, technology grows and becomes more dominant and who knows what the future will hold. We just adjust and learn as we go. As a millennial I’ll always feel strongly about my own generation but I wont discourage the future generations because our world will keep on turning anyway and some of those people could be a huge part of my life someday because you never know what the future will hold.
Though I feel I am in between the millenials and Gen Z, this article perfectly sums me up. An interesting read
Fantastic read! This is Generation Z in a nutshell. My kids can’t believe not everyone had a cell phone when I went to high school! #oldskoolnokia
Wow..I am happy to hop here and read this such a perfectly written about Gen Z…I can so relate to this being 90’s kid!!
Not the best experiences with this generation. And I did not know that they currently make up 25% of the American population. OMG
Interesting how each generation is different based on their daily environment which can affect how they are as workers.
This is really interesting! I have noticed some differences between my younger colleagues
Being 90’s kid I can totally relate with your post. Sometimes I feel those days were good with no-nonsense of social media and fake news. Got to know some new insights about Gen Z.
Very interesting read. All my kids are generation z, never thought this way but I can really relate to everything you’ve said. Thank you!
Interesting post, thanks for the write up it was neat to learn more about Gen Z and Millennials, all the extra info is helpful.
This is such an interesting read. Thanks for sharing.
I agree with most of the points. I’ve mentored Gen Z’s and most of them are independent and determined. They are looking for an experience, something beyond the ordinary and they aren’t afraid to ‘test the waters’ in order to find what they truly want to do in the future. Another that I’d like to add, they’re already aware of the benefits of being financially literate.
Such an interesting piece of information! Makes me wonder where are we heading.
I cannot agree more. Very nice use of language and so aptly said. The generation is also a bit skeptical, that is if they find things way to difficult they will somehow find an easier way to do it.