Gen Z, a generation of people born from (1997-2012), often referred to as the most creative generation. They are no doubt entering the workforce with a demand for certain changes in the workplace, which has seen them approach such demands with a sense of boldness that was not seen in the previous generations.
They prioritize a good working environment that has proper flexibility and proper well-being benefits attached to it. Once they find these things lacking, unlike the previous generations that will tend to manage things, Gen z will not hesitate to quit.
Regardless of the high pay a job offers, Gen Z cares most about work-life balance and personal well-being. Poised to disrupt the workforce with an influx of 61 million job seekers, Gen z is bringing diverse characters and expectations that most hiring managers never expected.
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This is a generation that came into existence when technology was in high use which has seen a large percentage of them opt for the easy life. Due to how vibrant, smart, innovative, and energetic they are, regardless of their demands, a company that wants to thrive still requires input.
Gen z already makes up the latest wave of young professionals who are entering the workforce, outnumbering the millennials. Among a high percentage of Gen Z in the workplace, there is a quest for a flexible workplace and one that respects boundaries.
By asserting new norms in the workplace, these Gen Z have no doubt brought about a paradigm shift in the work culture. The advent of the covid-19 pandemic brought about a change in the workplace structure which saw many companies allow their staff to work remotely, with several other companies operating a hybrid workplace structure.
There is a high demand for remote work from these Gen Z and they are gravitating toward a hybrid workplace that is a fusion of in-office and remote work. Research by Asana company found that 68 percent of Gen Z want structured hybrid work. They do not want to work in companies where they have to show up daily at work, but rather in a workplace that set-asides specific days for employees to be in the office.
As regards these demands from most Gen z, one shouldn’t be quick to blame or describe them as rude, because this is a generation that a high percentage of them entered the workforce during the covid pandemic period where remote work was the order of the day. What they are basically requesting for, Is a workplace that offers a level playing field in terms of how work is carried out.
Flexibility is a key thing for them, as once it is lacking, they do not hesitate to tender their resignation letter. I once came across a post shared by someone on Linkedin where a Gen Z went for an interview and demanded that he could only spare 30 minutes of his time for the interview. This statement according to the post left the HR perplexed.
However, as much as we might want to term such a statement rude, we must not fail to understand that the world is rapidly evolving which has also seen the abolishment of certain crude traditional methods in the workplace. Probably what the HR would have done was heed to the demands of the candidate, or suggest a better time for the interview. They shouldn’t be so quick to discard such a person without having to hear what they have to offer.
On the flip side, what if the individual was the ideal person for the job among other candidates? There should be a level playing field in the workplace and during interviews to avoid pushing away credible candidates simply because of something that can be adjusted or overlooked.
No doubt, this era of remote work systems gave Gen z the upper hand in amplifying their demands for workplace autonomy. As a manager, it is dangerous to still stick with the old traditional workplace structure. Aside from the demanding requests of Gen z in the workplace, these lads are no doubt doing exceptionally well in different fields of life, breaking new grounds.
Due to how well immersed they are in technology, this has seen a lot of them innovate fintech start-ups, mobile apps, blockchains, chatbots, and the likes. Since today’s workplace thrives on technology, it is their turf, and they will no doubt deliver. They are excellent researchers and can go to any length to ensure that they get their work done.
This is a strong reason why despite their demands, a large percentage of organizations can’t do without them because of the great things they have to offer. Gen z are not recalcitrant and rude people who derive joy in flaunting rules in the workplace as some millennials believe. It is understandable that their demands can give them away as being rude, but when a workplace offers flexibility, Gen z will always put in their all and deliver a great job.
Therefore, companies and Leaders must see the need to transform the workplace culture so that it can be conducive for everyone. They must operate a diverse workforce and environmentally friendly environment that must appeal to Gen z.
Employers must also incorporate into the workplace the demands of the Gen z. They should come to the understanding that in this present time, work is no longer restricted to the four walls of the office. Managers must see the need to allow their employees to work remotely if the job permits or implement a hybrid system of work.