A lot of research has been done on millennials and the management of same over the last twenty years. They have had a bad rap with many managers however, despite that a huge number of them have become huge successes as entrepreneurs and leaders (Jacinda Ardern is technically an early millennial).
Generation Z is the demographic following the millennials and they are about to turn-up in the workforce in numbers. Early research has showed some important differences which you will need to know to prepare your business in order to remain relevant for the future.
How Generation Z differs from millennials
- Less focussed
Today is a changing world and Gen Z lives in a world of continuous updates. Gen Z processes information faster than other generations thanks to apps like Snapchat and Vine. Therefore, in designing training for them we must consider their significantly lower attention span. Five short Modlettes will be more successful than a half day training workshop.
- Better Multi-Taskers
Though Gen Z can be less focused than their Millennial colleagues, in school, they will create a document on their school computer, do research on their phone or tablet, while taking notes on a note pad, then finish in front of the TV with a laptop, while face-timing a friend.
If your online training doesn’t hold their attention . . . forget it. They should be constantly challenged with problem solving and quizzes.
- Gen Z is more entrepreneurial
According to Gen Z marketing strategist Deep Patel, “the newly developing high tech and highly networked world has resulted in an entire generation thinking and acting more entrepreneurial”. Generation Z wants more independent work environments. Get them to develop Modlettes for their peer group.
This generation grew up with technology, and for them, it’s probably hard to go without their devices. If this younger generation is constantly on their phones and not watching as much live TV, we may experience a massive shift in advertising and marketing methods.