Gen Z: Socially Conscious, Inexperienced Youth Fearing Climate Change, Residing with Parents
Generation Z: The Socially Connected, Climate-Conscious Cohort
Generation Z, or “Gen Z,” is a generation that grew up in the era of smartphones and remote employment. Born roughly between 1997 and 2012, they are the second-youngest generation, preceded by millennials. According to Pew Research, Gen Z Americans will be the last white majority generation, as revealed by an August 2023 study of updated U.S. census data.
What sets Gen Z apart is their unique upbringing with smartphones and social media as a normal part of everyday life. They are highly social and collaborative, valuing flexibility, relevance, and authenticity. However, they also face challenges and concerns, particularly when it comes to climate change.
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Gen Zers are more likely than previous generations to require therapy or mental health treatment, reflecting their concerns about the future. They reject hierarchical leadership and are known for their pragmatism and self-driven nature.
Contrary to misconceptions, Gen Zers are not “too coddled” or unwilling to grow up. Linguist Roberta Katz dismisses these notions as a misunderstanding of the challenges they face in today’s world. For example, they prioritize education while working and rely on services like Uber instead of getting a driver’s license.
However, financial challenges loom over Gen Z. A Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis report from August 2022 revealed that many older Gen Zers already carry significant student debt, making it difficult for them to achieve milestones like homeownership. Unlike other debts, student loans are not easily discharged through bankruptcy.
Additionally, a Pew Research survey from July 2022 found that nearly 70 percent of Gen Zers still live with their parents or relatives, highlighting the economic pressures they face.
Gen Z in the Workforce: Challenges and Potential
As employees, Gen Zers thrive in collaborative environments and question traditional rules and management. However, some employers have noticed a lack of hands-on skills among Gen Z applicants, leading to extra training and lower expectations.
The perception of laziness among Gen Zers has gained attention on social media, with hashtags like “lazy girl job” trending. Videos on platforms like TikTok showcase Gen Z females boasting about minimal work requirements for their paychecks.
A survey by Resume Builder revealed that 74 percent of business leaders and managers find Gen Z employees the most challenging to work with compared to previous generations.
Despite the challenges, Gen Zers bring unique perspectives and strengths to the table. Their social connectedness and climate consciousness make them a generation poised to tackle the issues of the future.
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