With society giving each generation an aptly chosen title, going back to 1900, the latest generation to join the workforce, Generation Z or “Gen Z” as many prefer, is now filtering into the workplace.

Generation Z, also known as Zoomers, is the demographic cohort succeeding Millennials and preceding Generation Alpha. Researchers and popular media use the mid-to-late 1990s as starting birth years and the early 2010s as ending birth years.

Generation Z is the first generation to grow up with the internet as a part of daily life. They are also more racially and ethnically diverse than any previous generation. Members of Gen Z are more likely to be politically active than previous gnerations, and they are also more likely to be concerned about social and environmental issues.

They are the first generation to grow up with the internet and social media.

They are more racially and ethnically diverse than any previous generation.

They are more likely to be politically active than previous generations.

They are more likely to be concerned about social and environmental issues.

Generation Z is still a young generation, but they are already making their mark on the world. They are a generation of change-makers, and they are poised to shape the future in significant ways.

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Generation Z in the workplace

Technology, fashion and socio-economic factors play a considerable role in the choosing of roles, trades, skills and sectors that Gen Z’ers will want to work in. Far from traditional situations in which work was chosen on the basis of geography, family traditions and class, the next generation will be more inclined to choose their career path based upon moral and aspirational influences.

“Gen Xers are the bridge between Baby Boomers and Millennials. They are often seen as independent, adaptable, and technologically savvy. They are also the largest generation in the workforce, making up 35% of the labour force. As such, they are a powerful force to be reckoned with.”

Lindsey Pollak, a multigenerational work expert and speaker, about Gen X in the workplace:

Pollak goes on to say that Gen Xers are often overlooked in the workplace, but they have a lot to offer. They are loyal, hard-working, and results-oriented. They are also good at multitasking and working independently.

Here are some other things that Pollak says about Gen Xers in the workplace:

• They are more likely to be entrepreneurial than other generations.
• They are more likely to value work-life balance than other generations.
• They are more likely to be comfortable with change than other generations.

Here are some additional factors that Gen Z considers when choosing a career:

• Work-life balance: Gen Z is more likely than previous generations to prioritize work-life balance. They want to be able to have a fulfilling career without sacrificing their personal lives.
• Social impact: Gen Z is also more likely to want to make a social impact with their work. They want to work for companies that are doing good in the world.
• Salary: Of course, salary is still an important factor for Gen Z. They want to be able to earn a good living and support themselves and their families.

Ultimately, the most attractive work for Gen Z is the work that allows them to use their skills and talents to make a difference in the world and earn a good living. Focus will be more on utilising technology in whichever industry they work and from Information Technology to manufacturing technology, to basic tools; this generation will have an acceptance and understanding of technology and expect that technology and innovation will be key factors somewhere – if not everywhere – within the whatever work they do.