How can understanding the influence of Gen Z today empower your tomorrow? (2024)

FAQs

Why is understanding Gen Z important? ›

Gen Z exhibits unique values and behaviors different from previous generations. Gen Z's consumer behaviors are reshaping various industries with their digital-first approach and demand for personalized, ethical, and inclusive brand experiences. They also significantly influence market trends and ethos.

By developing trust, improving communications, and promoting team collaboration, HR professionals can help younger workers hone competencies needed to advance their careers. In the past few years, Gen Z has started to make its presence known in the workforce.

4 major influences on the happiness of Gen Zers

Purpose and meaning. Basic needs and security. Negative emotions and social pressure. Positive social connections.

Gen Z emphasizes their diversity and inclusivity. This generation tends to reject traditional labels and embraces a more fluid understanding of identity, which impacts cultural products, marketing strategies, and workplace dynamics.

Understanding what drives generational differences strengthens our understanding of how attitudes are shaped and offers an indication of what the future holds for each of us!

1. Purposeful Work: Gen Z is motivated by a sense of purpose. They seek jobs that align with their values and contribute to a greater cause. They want to help figure out ways to better the world and like when their job and tasks contribute to something bigger.

But one generation trumps them all when it comes to both digital fluency and dependency: Gen Z—the generation born between 1996 and 2015. This generation has never known a world without the Internet, and in many ways, they're at the leading edge of shaping its future.

Gen Z cares about mental health and work-life balance

Having a work-life balance and maintaining mental and physical health is also important to Gen Z. “They're placing a value on the human experience and recognizing that life is more than work,” Katz said.

What does Generation Z value? ›

They are pragmatic and value direct communication, authenticity and relevance. They also value self-care. They may be more likely than older people were when they were the age of the Gen Zers to question rules and authority because they are so used to finding what they need on their own.

Generation Z, or "Gen Zers," are known for having a strong sense of social justice and promoting diversity in all areas of society. They use their voices and platforms, such as social media and online communities, to advocate for marginalized communities and push for change.

Gen Z is known for being resourceful, independent learners who value diversity and inclusive culture and place a priority on well-being and mental health in the workplace. They are fiscally conservative with a keen focus on investing and income.

Gen Z (or Generation Z) grew up with rapid digital changes. As teens, Gen Zers experienced the boom of smartphones, wearables, and virtual assistants, among other disruptive tech. This immersion makes them open to integrating new technology into their lives. Gen Z is already using AI in their daily lives.

As boards consider public commitments and efforts of their companies, understanding expectations and how management is communicating with Gen Z employees and consumers is critical. Gen Z also prioritizes inclusion and social justice and expects to hold companies accountable as employers and product providers.

Identity Crisis and how to fit in. Gen Z craves for attention and validation for many reasons — motives that I can only imagine. Maybe it's because we see other people getting that same validation all the time, and we feel like we're missing out while being our current selves, hence the need for change.

A significant 78% of Gen Z individuals turn to TikTok and Instagram to find content that is either funny or entertaining. Given that 'Zillennials' are identified as the most stressed generation, it's unsurprising that they gravitate towards content that lightens the mood.