Zoom In On The Working Gen Z – Our Top 3 Psychological Influences
- Sep 2, 2024
- 5 min read
Written by: Ameline Sørgen, Guest Writer
Make way, or let them pave it themselves, for Generation Z! As one myself, I can contest how we have no idea what we're actually doing. Despite the crippling imposter syndrome, there is still something fierce about us, don't you think? Let me take you into the minds of the new generational workforce, and let's break down our biggest psychological influences on the workspace, for better and for worse. I promise you this; we are doing our best!
How to know you're a Gen Z
The greatest tell is if you´re born between 1995-2010, and let me refresh everyone else's memory by saying we´re between 14-29 years old today. I know, nature running its own course can be scary sometimes. One would think it is rather clearcut what generation one is in, but there are a lot of disputes amongst the kids on the cusp of these generations, particularly regarding the millennium shift separating the '90s from the 00s kids. Social media is loaded with content on the in-between generation of Gen Z and Millenials, born between 1980-1995. It's time to say hello to Zennials! They are described to be tech tech-savvy, nostalgic, entrepreneurial, meme lords, skeptics, socially and emotionally intelligent, and eco-conscious. Whereas the ´hardcore´ Gen Zs are comparatively digital natives, self-taught, realistic, resourceful, iconoclastic, pragmatic, and fluid in their identities and beliefs. Safe to say, though age is set, I believe one's sense of belonging to a generation is what determines it. Whether you are Gen Z or not, let me prepare you for their presence in the workplace!
The working Gen Z
According to research on Gen Z characteristics, the majority are said to want and expect feedback on our work, prefer attractive jobs, technology is part of our natural habitat, we willingly go on business trips but would rather not relocate, and though we're known to jump ships we would happily be employed for longer periods. Another study expresses how Gen Z's performance is positively affected by a work-life balance and job satisfaction, we're more idealists in terms of striving for work and growth, we value supportive work environments, supervisors and career opportunities, and highly prefer flexibility in our hours, leave and remote-possibilities. Read the full research article here. Needless to say, you got it all.
1. Self-assurance without expertise
On average it's said to take 10,000 hours to become an expert, and what even is an expert anyway? We often refer to Gen Z as creative thinking, leading to the belief that we're solution-oriented and not afraid to think new, think big, and work outside the box. A direct proof is how we're said to be leading the emergence of the creator economy and the importance of online safety. Our digital literacy is certainly a practical advantage in our worklife, but notice how we don't settle for what we know, but always keep pushing to know more of its many functions and aid in informing others about it too. If Gen Z has learnt anything from the internet, it's that: even if we don't have all the answers, we can learn how to find them. It´s a rare strength to be found in knowing one's limitations or faults, but I'd like to reframe it as the 'awareness of things one can improve'. Instead of focusing on the product, we give more active focus to the process. So when a novice Gen Z comes into the workspace, rest assured they'll bring their knowledge and keep their head high, even when facing self-doubt or in a process of inquiry. It is something to be mindful of when leading Gen Z employees, and to be inspired by in times of adversity!
2. Wide welfare awareness
We are often described to be ethically sustainable, economical, and trustworthy. This suggesting we are mindful and caring of our surroundings, materialistic or not. To add on to our glory, we are not only concerned about our own immediate surroundings but also the surroundings of others, i.e. the growing emphasis on sustainability and rising mental health concerns. There is no secret that a good work environment requires warm and capable employees who work well on their own and in teams. Which boats well for the emotionally intelligent and highly mentalizing Gen Z, who are used to thinking about themselves from an outside perspective and others from an inside perspective, already from a very young age in a wide array of ways. Though we all to varying degrees hold these abilities, Gen Z can be said to be more proactive in their capacity and reflections on issues greater than their own.
3. Comfortable go-getters
A final point, being Gen Zs ability to not only shoot for the stars, but our recurring jumps to reach it. Though an innate drive and want for great things seems powerful in itself, it's powerless with no follow-through. Adecco, who brand themselves as “the world's leading workforce solutions company”, stated that the key differences between Gen Z and millennials are that we value finding our dream job over stability. Seems fitting, taking into consideration how research shows our preference for attractive jobs and an idealistic nature when it comes to work endeavours. The same research papers also highlight our love for a work-life balance and emphasis on supportive and meaningful working environments. Meaning we're taking chances, knowing our boundaries, and thus strive to not overextend ourselves more then we should. To what extent we succeed at living a life with such a fine balance is another thing, but we're doing it. This might be perceived as youthful naive eagerness or even reckless daydreaming; but if you can be comfortable, why not be a go-getter?
Okay, now what?
As a self-acclaimed zilennial, I thank you for going on this journey with me, and for trying to understand or prepare yourself to meet with the working Gen Z. We're scared but happy to be here, and whether we express it or not, you inspire us and make us feel safe. So if you see us in the office, don't take us for granted at first glance, and trust that if you show up as someone we can depend on, learn from, and joke around with; you're the lucky winner of an incredibly conscious, encouraging, comfortable yet hardworking person!
Visit my website for more info!
Ameline Sørgen, Brainz Magazine Guest Writer
Ameline Sørgen (she/they) is an actor, director, and mental health practitioner based in Oslo and London. They specialise in the intersection of the arts and health sector and work full-time freelancing in their respective fields. Follow their Instagram @ameline.soe or look up their website ameline.no for more.
References:
Adecco. (n.d.). Millennials vs Gen Z: Key Differences. Retrieved from: https://www.adecco.com/en-us/employers/resources/article/generation-z-vs-millennials-infographic
Dolot, A. (2018). The characteristics of Generation Z. E-mentor, 74(2), 44-50.
https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/EJTD-07-2020-0124/full/html
Napoli, C. (2022). Zennials: The Inbetween Generation. WGSN. Retrieved from: https://www.wgsn.com/insight/p/article/88103?lang=en
Waworuntu, E. C., Mandagi, D.W., & Pangemanan, A. S. (2022). Work-Life Balance, Job Satisfaction and Performance Among Millennial and Gen Z Employees: A Systematic Review. Society, 10(2), 286-300. DOI: 10.33019/society.v10i2.464
