What is the GenZ working culture tell us?


Have you ever wondered what the future of work will look like? If you have, you are not alone. Many employers, managers, and leaders are curious and anxious about how to attract, retain, and engage the youngest generation in the workforce: Generation Z, or Gen Z for short.
Generation Z, or Gen Z for short, is the demographic cohort that comes after the Millennials. They are also known as the iGeneration, Post-Millennials, or Zoomers. According to various sources, Gen Z is typically defined as those born between 1997 and 2012, making them the youngest generation in the workforce today.
Gen Z has grown up in a world of rapid technological change, social media, and global connectivity. They are also shaped by the events of the 21st century, such as the Great Recession, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the climate crisis. These factors have influenced their values, behaviors, and expectations in the workplace.
According to a Deloitte report, Gen Z values salary less than other generations and is more interested in work that is meaningful, interesting, and aligned with their personal ethics. They also seek flexibility, diversity, and social responsibility from their employers. Gen Z is not afraid to speak up, challenge the status quo, and demand change.
However, Gen Z also faces many challenges and uncertainties in their career paths. According to a LinkedIn survey, 88 percent of Gen Z professionals in India are considering a job switch in 2023, citing reasons such as lack of growth opportunities, low pay, and poor work culture. Gen Z also struggles with mental health issues, stress, and burnout, as they cope with the pressures of a competitive and volatile environment.
In this blog post, we will explore what Gen Z working culture tells us about the future of work and how employers can adapt to their needs and preferences. We will also compare the views of Gen Z workers in India with those in other countries, based on data from various sources. Finally, we will suggest some steps that India can take to prepare for Gen Z and harness their potential.

How does Gen Z working culture differ from other generations?
Gen Z work culture is shaped by the unique experiences and expectations of this generation, which differs from other generations in many ways. Some of the key aspects of Gen Z work culture are:
  • Wellness-oriented: Gen Z values their mental and physical health and seeks employers who support them in this regard. They want to have mental health days, flexible work arrangements, and access to wellness resources. According to a 2022 research by TalentLMS, 82% of Gen Z employees find it important to have mental health days, while 74% would opt for either hybrid or totally remote work.
  • Inclusive: Gen Z is the most diverse and socially conscious generation in history. They care about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and society at large. They want to work for organizations that reflect their values and take action on social issues. According to a 2022 report by the World Economic Forum, 77% of GenZers find it important to work for a company that cares about diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Ambitious: Gen Z is driven by their goals and aspirations. They want to learn new skills, grow their careers, and make an impact. They are not afraid to challenge the status quo and seek feedback and guidance. According to a 2022 survey by LinkedIn, 76% of Gen Z in India want to learn new skills in their current role, compared to 65% globally.
  • Tech-savvy: Gen Z is the first generation to be born into a digital world. They are fluent in using technology for various purposes, such as communication, collaboration, and innovation. They expect their employers to provide them with the latest tools and platforms to enhance their productivity and creativity. According to a 2022 survey by Dell Technologies, 91% of Gen Z in India believe that technology will create a more equitable work environment, compared to 80% globally.
  • Pragmatic: Gen Z is realistic and cautious about their future. They have witnessed the effects of the pandemic and the economic downturn on their lives and careers. They value stability, security, and financial rewards from their employers. They also prefer clear communication and transparency from their managers and leaders. According to a 2022 survey by ManpowerGroup, 57% of Gen Z in India rank job security as their top priority when looking for a job, compared to 44% globally.
Gen Z work culture tells us that this generation is not only different from previous generations, but also diverse within itself. They have high expectations and standards for themselves and their employers. They are looking for a sense of belonging, purpose, and fulfillment in their work. To attract and retain Gen Z talent, employers need to understand and embrace their work culture and offer them the benefits and opportunities they seek.

How does Gen Z working culture compare with other countries?
Gen Z working culture is not homogeneous across the world. Different countries have different cultural norms, economic conditions, and social issues that affect how Gen Z workers perceive and interact with their work environment. Here are some examples of how Gen Z working culture in India differs from other countries:
  • Work ethic: Gen Z in India has a strong work ethic and is willing to work hard to achieve their goals. According to a report by ILO, India ranks among the top countries in terms of average hours worked per week (48 hours), compared to the global average of 40 hours. However, this also means that Gen Z in India may face more stress and burnout than their counterparts in other countries, who value health and well-being over work.
  • Work culture: Gen Z in India prefers a collaborative and supportive work culture that fosters teamwork and camaraderie. According to a report by Universum, India ranks among the top countries in terms of preference for a friendly work environment (67%), compared to the global average of 49%. However, this also means that Gen Z in India may face more challenges in asserting their individuality and autonomy than their counterparts in other countries, who have higher standards for diversity, inclusion and belonging.
  • Work-life balance: Gen Z in India values work-life balance and seeks flexibility and autonomy in their work schedule. According to a report by Mercer, India ranks among the top countries in terms of preference for flexible work arrangements (74%), compared to the global average of 51%. However, this also means that Gen Z in India may face more distractions and interruptions than their counterparts in other countries, who prioritize a sense of purpose and meaning in their work.
What can India do to prepare for Gen Z?
Gen Z is the future of work and the future of India. They have the potential to transform the economy, society, and culture of the country with their skills, creativity, and passion. However, they also have high expectations and demands from their employers, leaders, and policymakers. To attract, retain, and engage Gen Z workers, India needs to take some steps to prepare for them. Some of these steps are:
  • Invest in education and skill development: Gen Z is eager to learn new skills and upgrade their qualifications. India needs to invest in improving the quality and accessibility of education and skill development programs for Gen Z workers. This includes providing more opportunities for online learning, vocational training, and lifelong learning.
  • Promote innovation and entrepreneurship: Gen Z is entrepreneurial and innovative. India needs to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship for Gen Z workers. This includes providing more support and incentives for startups, incubators, and accelerators, as well as fostering a regulatory environment that encourages risk-taking and experimentation.
  • Embrace diversity and inclusion: Gen Z is diverse and inclusive. India needs to embrace diversity and inclusion for Gen Z workers. This includes creating a work environment that respects and celebrates differences in identity, orientation, background, and perspective, as well as ensuring equal opportunities and representation for all groups.
  • Adopt technology and digitalization: Gen Z is digital and tech-savvy. India needs to adopt technology and digitalization for Gen Z workers. This includes providing them with the latest tools and platforms to enhance their productivity and creativity, as well as leveraging their expertise and insights to drive digital transformation.
  • Enhance communication and feedback: Gen Z is communicative and feedback-oriented. India needs to enhance communication and feedback for Gen Z workers. This includes providing them with clear expectations, goals, and directions, as well as soliciting their opinions, suggestions, and concerns.
Conclusion
Gen Z working culture tells us a lot about the future of work and how employers can adapt to their needs and preferences. Gen Z is a generation that values purpose, flexibility, diversity, security, and innovation. They are also a generation that faces many challenges and opportunities in the 21st century. By understanding their working culture and comparing it with other countries, India can prepare for Gen Z and harness their potential.
Author: Ajmal Hassan 
Co-author: Vivek Thamban (Fellow at Sewa International)

Reference:




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Other references

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