How Generation Z might change the workplace

Amongst the many changes that the generations have grown-up with, the advances of technology must be one of the most significant. Baby Boomers grew up as television expanded dramatically, changing their lifestyles and connection to the world in fundamental ways.

Generation X grew up as the computer revolution was taking hold, and Millennials came of age during the internet explosion.

In this progression, what is unique for Generation Z is that all of the above have been part of their lives from the start, notes Michael Dimock, Pew Research Center President. The iPhone launched in 2007, when the oldest of Gen Z were 10. By the time they were in their teens, the primary means they connected with the web was through mobile devices and WiFi. Social media, constant connectivity and on-demand entertainment and communication are innovations Millennials adapted to as they came of age. For those born after 1996, they are largely assumed.

These technological influences are reflected in some recent research by Global Web Index, when they looked at media consumption during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020. The results have been beautifully captured in infographic form by Visual Capitalist.

For Generation Z, online video content has been a major source of information during the pandemic. For Millennials, it has been a broader mix of online videos, online TV and broadcast television. Generation X increased their TV watching more than any other generation, but also watched TV online. Lastly, the Baby Boomers changed their media consumption habits the least of all the generations, with an increase in watching TV online most apparent.

So as the generations move through the workplace, what can we expect from how Generation Z might impact the workplace of today? In its research, Deloitte paints a nuanced picture of the work expectations of Generation Z. While salary is the most important factor in deciding on a job, Generation Z values salary less than every other generation: If given the choice of accepting a better-paying but boring job versus work that was more interesting but didn’t pay as well, Gen Z was fairly evenly split over the choice.