Page 9 - PA_Enterprise_July-2024

PAE
What defines Gen Z in the workplace?
“Generation Z” refers to the group of
individuals born between 1997 and 2012.
Born in the height of the digital age, Gen
Z is known for being tech-savvy, politically
progressive, and extremely purpose-driven.
Let’s break down some of the notable
characteristics of this new generation of
workers:
Gen Z babies were practically born with
iPhones in their hands. These individuals
are highly skilled at navigating the
internet, digital technology, and social
media, as these things have always been
a part of their lives, rather than new tools
they had to learn to navigate later on.
Information is highly available to them, and
they often use their devices to learn new skills
and research topics that interest them.
While Gen Zs are often mocked for their
reliance on mobile devices and Apple
products or their affinity for Instagram,
the perspective that they are “less than”
because of their habits or differences is
deeply problematic. Older generations were
never critiqued to the same degree for taking
advantage of the resources available to them.
It’s important to remember that the wristwatch,
the printing press, and even sliced bread were
all considered newfangled “advances” when
they were created. One day, the ubiquitous
smartphone will be viewed as an equally
archaic invention.
Diverse, inclusive, and progressive
Generation Z is the most diverse generation
in American history. Not only is there more
racial, gender, and ethnic diversity in this
generation, but more individuals in this age
July 2024
group also self-identify as LGBTQ+ than ever
before.
For these reasons, it should come as no
surprise that Gen Zs have more progressive,
inclusive values and political leanings than
many of their parents and grandparents.
These individuals are often extremely
passionate about social and environmental
justice, fighting for their vision of a safer, more
equitable world.
Because of their focus on these values, Gen
Zs tend to be intensely purpose-driven, both
in their personal and professional lives.
Gen Z employees tend to value DE&I more
than employees from prior generations. They
seek out workplaces that value individual
contributions and expressions, have diversity
in leadership, and emphasize the importance
of their Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
Many of them are also drawn to companies
that care deeply about climate change and
monitor their carbon footprints, aligning with
their vision of a brighter future and better
world for everyone.
Authentic, transparent, and independent
Generation Z will never be known for mincing
their words. Born advocates and activists,
these free-thinkers are strong, opinionated,
and unafraid to fight for what’s right. They
deeply value authentic communication,
transparent dialogue, and being able
to function independently, especially in
professional settings.
Their communication style tends to be concise
and informal. 75% of them also prefer to have
difficult conversations over text rather than

9