Gen Z Perceptions and Expectations upon Entering the Workforce

Abstract

This article focuses on examining Gen Z-ers’ opinions and expectations regarding their present or future jobs, as well as their views on their future careers. The exploratory study performed on members of this cohort revealed, among others, that Gen Z-ers appreciate a secure job, financial stability, and prefer working for big companies. They choose jobs which reflect their passions and look for informal and relaxed environments, where they can have their own well defined office space. This cohort wishes to be mentored at work and is brutally aware that success must come with career-long learning. Despite being said to be digital natives, they feel the need to bond with colleagues and to freely speak their mind.

A Study of Generational Conflicts in the Workplace

“…A study reported that nearly two out of three members of the Gen Z "do not like or only somewhat like talking on the phone"; FaceTime or Snapchat are often used instead of a phone call (Seemiller & Grace, 2019). In addition, Gen Zs are willing to use email professionally at the workplace to meet performance expectations, albeit not preferred (Mărginean, 2021).…”

“…For example, Baby Boomers do like feedback but not constantly, whereas Gen Y require constant feedback on their work (Lewis, 2015). As a generation that grew up with instant access to information, Gen Z developed a habit of expecting information to be always-on and always-available, which lead to similar expectations for feedback as Gen Y (Mărginean, 2021). Members of the young workforce are always in "learning mode" and as a result need regular feedback (Aggarwal et al, 2020).…”

Work-Life Balance, Take Home Pay and Workplace Environment: Which One has the Most Influence toward Employee Performance on Gen Z?

“…However, it was explained in the previous point that this generation places emphasis on finding companies that support a healthy work-life balance for them. Therefore, on the other hand, this generation also expects a high degree of freedom at work (Sánchez-Hernández et al, 2019;Marginean, 2021). In general, Gen Z also attaches great importance to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.…”

“…They want to work for companies that are socially responsible and have a diverse workforce (Ngoc et al, 2022;Schroth, 2019). They prioritize a workplace that fosters an inclusive culture where everyone is treated equally regardless of race, gender, age or religion (Marginean, 2021). And besides diversity, an important aspect regarding the work environment is that Gen Z considers how companies provide technology to their workers.…”

La generación Z y su impacto en la cultura y gestión de personas en las organizaciones

“…La combinación de la crisis económica de 2008 junto con las políticas excesivamente paternalistas que, con buen fondo y no siempre la eficacia esperada, están llevando a cabo los Estados occidentales provocaría que prioricen una carrera estable sobre otro modelo (Mărginean, 2021). Entiéndase estable cómo un camino recto y con el menor número de baches posibles.…”