Who Is Generation Z?

While the youngest members of Gen Z are only now crawling out of their cribs, their older counterparts are already making waves in the workplace and beyond. 

You’ve likely noticed that this generation is growing up before your very eyes, and you’ve probably started hearing about how different these kids are from those annoying Millennials. 

With words like “digital natives” being thrown around to describe this cohort a label that still seems unfair to Millennials you’re probably wondering whether Gen Z is as different as they say and what it means for you. In this article, we’ll tackle questions like: 

Who exactly is Gen Z? What’s going on with them right now? And what the heck do I need to know about them when I hire my next intern?

Takeaways
1. Generation Z comprises individuals born between the mid-1990s and the mid-2000s, making them the youngest generation in the workforce and consumer market. They are known for being tech-savvy and digitally native.
2. Understanding the defining characteristics and preferences of Generation Z can help businesses tailor their marketing strategies and product offerings to cater to this unique demographic.
3. Generation Z values authenticity, personalized experiences, and social responsibility when making purchasing decisions, making it essential for brands to communicate their values effectively.
4. As Generation Z enters the workforce, companies need to adapt to their preferences for remote work, flexible schedules, and purpose-driven careers to attract and retain top talent.
5. This generation’s impact on the economy and industries is significant, with their purchasing power and influence on trends shaping various sectors, from technology to sustainability.

Gen Z Is The Generation After Millennials

Gen Z is the generation after Millennials, which means they’re the youngest to be considered for employment in the workplace. Generation Z was born between 1996 and 2010, making them between 4 and 24 years old at this point.

They grew up with technology as a constant in their lives. They’ve never known a world without cell phones or tablets; they’re used to having access to information at any time of day or night through their mobile devices (like you). 

And because Gen Z has grown up surrounded by social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and knows how important it is to have followers on these sites it’s not surprising that many of them are highly motivated by fame and wealth.

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Gen Z Is The Youngest Generation To Be Considered For Employment In The Workplace

As anyone who has ever been in the workforce can tell you, there are some major differences between Gen X, Baby Boomers, and Millennials. 

The youngest generation to be considered for employment in the workplace is known as Gen Z. This group of young people was born between 1996 and 2010, and they’re also called “iGen” or “post-Millennials.”

Why? Because Gen Z is the first generation to grow up with social media (MySpace launched in 2003), smartphones (BlackBerry Bold 9000 hit shelves in 2007), internet access at home (WiFi came around during this period), and digital devices like tablets and computers. 

They’ve never known life without these things; they’ve grown up surrounded by technology since birth!

Because of all this exposure to technology at such an early age, iGen has developed distinct habits both positive ones (being tech-savvy) as well as negative ones (experiencing anxiety due to overuse).

Gen Z Was Born Between 1995 And 2015

When you think about the future of your business, the first thing that comes to mind is probably Gen Z. They are the youngest generation to be considered for employment in the workplace. 

Born between 1995 and 2015, Gen Z grew up during an era of development and technological advancement. 

As such, they are raised with a different set of expectations than previous generations; however, this doesn’t mean that all hope is lost for understanding them or achieving success in your own company.

• How many employees does your company employ?
• What are their ages?
• Are any of them under 24 years old (nearly 72 million in the U.S.)

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Gen Z Are Currently Between 4-24 Years Old (Nearly 72 Million In U.S.)

The youngest generation to be considered for employment in the workplace, Gen Z is currently between 4-24 years old (nearly 72 million in the U.S.), and they make up more than 25% of all consumers. 

In addition to being racially diverse, Gen Z is also tech-savvy, preferring social media over face-to-face communications.

This means that it’s important for businesses to recognize these differences when interacting with Gen-Zers on social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram which have become iconic outlets for this demographic’s communication style.

Gen Z Grew Up During An Era Of Development

If you’re a Gen Z, you’re the first generation to have grown up during an era of development. This means your parents were likely working hard to build their careers and climb the corporate ladder, leaving little time for raising children. 

As a result, Gen Zers were often left to their own devices and usually had access to technology in one form or another.

Gen Z also grew up with social media at our fingertips it’s hard not to consider how much of an impact it has had on our lives! 

We’ve seen every trend come and go online: memes, selfies (not-so-selfies), emojis…

The list goes on and on! In addition to technology being readily available at all times through our devices, most teens get smartphones around the age of 12 these days, and some are even younger than that!

2017 Was The First Year Gen Z Outnumbered Millennials

With the emergence of Gen Z in the workforce, it’s important to know how their unique experiences will impact the workplace. 

The oldest members of this generation are currently between 22 and 24 years old. They grew up during an era of rapid technological advancement that has shaped their attitudes toward work and success.

As a whole, Gen Z is more globally connected than any other previous generation. They’re constantly connected via social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter; they’ve grown up with cell phones; they’re comfortable using digital technology in every aspect of their lives; 

They expect digital tools at school; they embrace technology as a way to express themselves creatively and professionally and perhaps most importantly: they don’t see those things as separate parts of their lives but rather inseparable aspects of who they are as individuals.

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Gen Z Is Racially Diverse

You may think of Gen Z as a bunch of young people who have grown up in a time when racial tensions are high, but these kids are the most racially diverse generation we’ve ever seen. Gen Z is more likely to be mixed race than any other generation before them. 

“Gen Z is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in U.S. history,” says The Pew Research Center, which found that nearly half (46%) of Gen Zers identify as multiracial.

Or multiethnic compared to 32% of millennials and 24% of Generation Xers (the two preceding generations). 

What’s more? A study by GLAAD Media Institute shows that young consumers under 18 years old are significantly less likely than older generations to endorse stereotypes about race.

And they believe people should embrace their differences rather than try to fit into one mold or another

Gen Z Prefers Social Media Over Face-To-Face Communication

We all know that Gen Z is a digital native, which means they’re comfortable with technology and online communication. They like texting more than talking in person, emailing more than phone calls, and their favorite social network isn’t Facebook it’s Snapchat.

But what does this have to do with the workplace? Well, if you want to attract the best talent from your target demographic, you’ll need to make sure your company offers a modern work environment that appeals to them. 

And part of making it feel like an optimal place for employees is offering perks like flexible hours so employees can get home at 6 p.m., or providing an open office plan so workers don’t feel confined by cubicles when they need some fresh air (or privacy).

Gen Z Uses Technology For Concentrating And Learning In School

Gen Z uses technology for school work. Many schools use computers and tablets in classrooms, as well as in the library and other areas of the school. Students also use their own devices at home to complete assignments or projects that they’re working on.

Gen Z uses technology for socializing with friends and family members. Students often spend time on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Where they can chat with others about their lives, post photos or videos of themselves doing something fun (like doing a cartwheel), or share an interesting article that they found online.

Gen Z uses technology for entertainment purposes like playing games or watching videos online which helps them relax when they need a break from studying hard at school!

Gen Z uses technology for communication purposes such as sending text messages back and forth between friends who live far away from each other (it’s just easier than making phone calls all day long!)

Gen Z also uses it for learning purposes: everything from math lessons online through Khan Academy up to college courses taught only via distance learning programs because traditional classes aren’t necessarily.

Required anymore; these types of courses are offered 24/7 so that students don’t have any excuse not do them while still attending high school full time during traditional hours!

Last but certainly not least important role this generation plays is being able to access information quickly via search engines such as Google™ which allows us access almost immediately.

Without having to wait long periods between searches like older generations may have experienced back when computers were first invented decades ago.”

According To Google, 50% Of Teens Use Voice Search Every Day

You may be wondering why voice search is so popular with Gen Z. It’s because it’s easier and faster than typing.

First, let’s look at the ease of use: when you ask Siri or Alexa a question, they respond right away no waiting for Google to load up on your computer screen.

Second, let’s look at the speed of use: if you were to type in “how to make chocolate chip cookies from scratch?” into Google, it would take around three seconds for the results page to load up on your screen. 

But if you were to ask either Siri or Alexa this same question, depending on your device model (and how long it takes for them both), then all that happens is that one word gets spoken aloud (i.e., “How…chocolate chip cookies”). 

And voilà! The answer appears instantly no need for any additional efforts on your part other than saying those few words aloud and listening intently as they’re repeated back at high speeds by both assistants!

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Gen Z Checks Their Phones 150 Times Per Day

You can’t talk about Gen Z without talking about the smartphone. The internet and social media have always been a part of Gen Z’s life, but they didn’t know what they were missing until they had their phones. 

Now, as adults, many Gen Zers have never lived without constant connectivity to the internet. This has led to some major changes in how this generation interacts with each other and their environment:

• They check their phones 150 times per day on average that’s more than three times an hour!
• They spend more time on their smartphones than on any other activity except sleeping.
• They are the most technologically-savvy generation to date they grew up with iPads in classrooms and Google Chromebooks at school; today they’re using apps like Venmo (payments) and Uber (transportation). 

And since Facebook became available for use by anyone over 13 years old in 2004 after being made open only for college students previously, teens from all over America were creating profiles within weeks of its launch.

Making it one of the fastest-growing websites ever made available online!

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Conclusion

So, what does this mean for you? Well, it means that now is the time to identify your target markets and begin preparing for the shift to Gen Z. Take a look at their preferences and how they differ from Millennials so you can anticipate their wants and needs. 

And remember: before you start strategizing ways to reach them, do your research. By really getting to know this generation, you’ll be able to develop strategies that will help you connect with them in meaningful ways instead of just butchering slang on social media!

Further Reading

Where Millennials End and Generation Z Begins: Learn about the defining characteristics and the key differences between Millennials and Generation Z.

Generation Z Facts: Explore interesting and relevant facts about Generation Z, including their behaviors and preferences.

Generation Z (Gen Z) Definition: Understand the official definition of Generation Z and its significance in various aspects of society.

FAQs

What are the main characteristics of Generation Z?

Generation Z is often characterized as the digital-native, tech-savvy generation born between the mid-1990s and the mid-2000s. They are known for their strong online presence, adaptability, and a desire for authenticity.

How does Generation Z differ from Millennials?

While both generations share some similarities, Generation Z tends to be more pragmatic and focused on financial security. They grew up during the rise of social media and have different preferences and values compared to Millennials.

What are the key traits that define Generation Z’s consumer behavior?

Generation Z is highly influenced by social media and peer recommendations. They value personalization, sustainability, and ethical practices when making purchasing decisions.

How does Generation Z approach education and career choices?

Generation Z is more likely to consider alternative education paths and prioritize practical skills and experience over traditional degrees. They also seek job opportunities that align with their values and allow for a work-life balance.

How is Generation Z impacting the workforce and the economy?

As Generation Z enters the workforce, companies are adapting to their preferences for remote work, flexible schedules, and a focus on purpose-driven careers. Their purchasing power and influence on trends are also shaping various industries.