How Generation Z Is Changing the Digital Workplace

The Millennials have been the coming generation for a while. But the cohort that follows them, Generation Z — born between 1995 and the early 2000s — is now climbing the entry rungs of job ladders in force. Because of their numbers, knowing their characteristics is an important part of leadership. They are quite different from Millennials. Here's a look at the profile of Generation Z.

1. More Individualistic Than Collaborative

Wharton Business School researchers observe that, while Millennials are oriented toward teamwork and collaboration, Generation Z is skeptical that teamwork will always benefit everyone. They may tend to be more individualistic in business as a result.

2. Entrepreneurial Minded

Perhaps as a corollary, they are very focused on moving straight into the business world. Nearly three-quarters of Generation Z would like to start a business at some point. They grew up in the shadow of the Great Recession, and see starting a business as a partial antidote. They are also very likely to begin internships at an earlier age than past generations.

3. A College Degree Isn't a Necessity

Generation Z is very aware that Millennials carry crushing student debt burdens. They are willing to consider alternatives to a four-year degree: 75% believe there are other ways of receiving a good education than attending a physical university. Some observers believe Generation Z may go straight into the working world and obtain online degrees as necessary.

4. Truly Digital Natives

It's an oft-cited characteristic of Millennials that they are digital natives — but a Millennial born in 1990 might not have used her first computer until 1998. Generation Z is the truly digital-native cohort. They make no distinction between e-commerce and commerce, or between online journals and journals. The downside: 40% describe themselves as digital addicts. But for them, the world has always been online.

5. They Think Globally

Partly because online access puts the world at their fingertips, Generation Z is more global than preceding generations. They think in terms of global issues, like climate change, and in terms of peer group rather than nationality. Nearly 60% of adults around the world agree that "kids have more in common with global peers than with adults in their country."

Generation Z is in the workplace and will only become stronger. Take these characteristics into account to lead them at an optimal level.