Generation Z, the first generation that hasn’t known a world without the Internet. A generation that values diversity and finding its own unique identity

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What is the definition of generation Z?

Generation Z, also known as Gen Z, is the generation after the millennials and born between the late 1990s and early 2010s. Generation Z comprises 3.3 million people in the Netherlands and makes up an estimated 35% of the workforce

What is the age group of Generation Z?

Generation cohorts are defined by years of birth rather than age, so the age range of Generation Z will continue to shift over time. Most sources agree that Gen Z starts around 1997 and ends around 2010, so as of 2022, Generation Z’s age range is roughly between 12 and 25

What are the characteristics of generation Z?

Generation Z is considered “digital natives” because they grew up after the advent of the Internet and during the rise of smartphones. 98 percent of members of Generation Z own a smartphone

Generation Z is known to spend much more time online or connected to a smart device than previous generations, averaging three hours a day

Another trend researchers have noticed among Generation Z is their desire for personal financial education and stability. Many have seen their parents struggle during the credit crisis. Therefore, they worry about their future finances and are preparing now by opening savings accounts and avoiding debt. Read more about gamification and e-learning pathways that motivate Generation Z

Generation Z versus Millennials

Before Generation Z was more precisely defined, they were often lumped together with millennials. The two generations share the following similarities:

• Progressive political views
• Comfort with technology
• Presence on social media
• Focus on personal finance

There are, however, some notable differences between millennials and the Z generation – enough to draw a line between the two cohorts and define them separately

These are a few characteristics that distinguish Generation Z from the millennials:

• More pragmatic
• Very entrepreneurial
• Concerned about digital privacy
• Frequent multi-taskers

Generation Z in the workplace

Because Generation Z has only recently entered the workforce, it is not yet clear how they will behave in the workplace. Early research shows that they are independent, hardworking and highly educated. Because of the financial difficulties they experienced during their youth, they seem to be motivated by job stability and financial incentives. As the most diverse generation, they are also concerned with issues of equality and want to work for organizations that prioritize them

One of the most obvious characteristics of Generation Z is their penchant for multitasking. Many are used to switching quickly between apps and take a similar approach to their work projects

Despite their ongoing relationship with technology, Gen Z workers prefer face-to-face communication to digital alternatives. In fact, it turns out that a whopping 72 percent say they prefer face-to-face conversations. This may be a response to the shift toward collaborative tools such as chat and e-mail in the workplace, and employers could see a shift toward more traditional, interpersonal communication

Generation Z embraces hybrid working

Generation Z workers (born between 1996 and 2012) will make up 27% of the global workforce by 2025, according to the World Economic Forum. These digital natives have clear desires that their future workplace offers social interaction and recognizes their mental health

This generation also desires the flexibility of hybrid work. Research shows that only 11% of the 2,500 recent graduates surveyed want full-time remote work, perhaps because of the networking and growth opportunities young people have through in-person work. 60% prefer a hybrid schedule that includes two to three days a week in the office. This means teams need to provide a cohesive hybrid work experience with the right tools to encourage creativity and collaboration

Gen Z prioritizes mental health, and they want the company they work for to do the same. According to research by LinkedIn, 66% of Gen Z want a company culture that supports mental health and wellness. It makes sense that this generation also considers work-life balance more important than career; 87% of Gen Z and millennials who went remote during the pandemic said work-life balance was one of their top priorities

Onboarding of Generation Z

It has never been a more challenging and important time to nurture connection and fun at work. Also read all about the employee journey

The first day is crucial. The first week of new hires is the opportunity not only to train them, but also to engage and enthuse them. To welcome Gen Z employees, a group that values togetherness and work-life balance, the onboarding process must focus on connection

Place yourself in their shoes. Joining a team feels different when there’s no office where you arrive, no desk ready and no hello’s in the hallway. Gen Z places “sense of belonging” in their top three concerns about joining. Think about how to create an exciting online experience that leaves nothing to be desired

For example, a face-to-face video chat is more engaging than a pre-recorded intro. An interactive challenge such as ENBOQ offers that responds to their needs to multitask is in line with this. Read about the approach on our page on onboarding and preboarding and check out one of the sample cases. 77% of Gen Z people want to work for a brand that prioritizes diversity, equality and inclusion, so make sure you have materials that reflect your vision and actions in this area

In addition, make sure employees know who to turn to with questions, and create a series of group and 1:1 meetings to get to know teammates

Introduce new employees to teammates immediately. When making introductions, go beyond name and title; introduce people based on their interests and attributes. There is a 56% increase in job performance when employees feel a sense of belonging

Introduce them to mentors and appoint a buddy. Higher-level mentors can show new employees what growth looks like at your company, which is perfect for Gen Zers, who are eager to make a quick career move. Buddies provide the personal touch and help them get started, so they can fit in quickly. Making this younger generation feel part of the team is crucial, and companies need to accommodate them on their terms and offer ways to connect with their peers