By 2030, Generation Z, or Gen Z, will make up 30% of the global workforce, bringing with them a unique set of skills, values, and workplace expectations.
Gen Z refers to individuals born between 1996 and 2012, the generation of Millennials and Generation Alpha. Gen Z’s current age range in 2025 is between 13 to 29 years old. They are also sometimes referred to as True Gen or Zoomers, and are the first generation of true digital natives, having grown up in a world dominated by the internet, social media, and rapid technological advancements.
Every generation faces unique challenges that informs their values. For Gen Z, their experiences have been shaped by global challenges such as climate change, economic uncertainty, and the COVID-19 pandemic, making them highly adaptable, socially conscious, and purpose-driven.
They value work-life balance, meaningful contributions, and employers who invest in their development, and companies that recognize and embrace these qualities will gain a competitive edge in attracting and retaining top Gen Z talent.
So, what makes Gen Z employees stand out? From their tech-savviness and empathy to their leadership potential, here’s why you should be excited about welcoming Gen Z team members to your company, and how they will shape the future of work.
Gen Zs are tech natives redefining the workplace
This allows them to drive tech initiatives and tools at the workplace. Being digital natives, using technology is natural to them. Close to 50% of Gen Zs are reported to spend more than 10 hours a day online. They are adept at picking up new tech skills and applying them to their daily work.
Having grown up in a digital world, Gen Z are more conscious of the potential AI threat to replacing them at work. However, this, coupled with technical advancement, motivates them to work on self-improvement and upskilling.
Many are planning to take on multiple professional development courses. As GovTech’s Senior Director, People & Organisation, Mr D N Prasad, has aptly put it, “It’s humans who are trained to effectively integrate AI and technology into their work who will replace those who aren’t upskilling quickly enough.”
So, talk to your Gen Z colleagues, they might have a tip of two to make your work easier and more efficient with technology!
Gen Z is the most empathetic generation
With social media and many other platforms, they’ve grown up with an open mind and access to fresh perspectives, influencing Gen Z’s workplace values and mindset as we know them today.
The digital space enables Gen Z to be more connected globally, and access to information at the tip of their fingers. Their social circles and mentality towards the way of work have expanded beyond geographical and spatial limitations.
Thus, many have dubbed Gen Z as the most empathetic generation, and the generation with the most inclusive views and expectations. Gen Z employees are more likely to support (and even drive) initiatives for your company’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusions.
From creating content for marketing, to making tech more accessible, to creating a more inclusive workspace, you can count on leveraging the Gen Z perspective to help your company do better, and progress further.
Gen Z is purpose-driven
Gen Z is also the workforce that carries a “work to live” mindset, as opposed to “live-to-work”. This mindset enables them to prioritize purpose over a pay check and focus on choosing work that interests them and companies that share their values. 86% of Gen Z said that having a sense of purpose in their job is important for their job satisfaction and well-being.
To Gen Z, being able to contribute meaningfully is important. They want their work to be valued and be part of the change, helping you shape your business’s future. Combining passion and purpose, Gen Z can bring about transformative impact to the future of the companies.
Gen Zs are the next generation of exceptional leaders
The environment they have grown up in has also informed Gen Z’s leadership style. Their perspective is strongly shaped by digital advancements, global interconnectedness, and economic uncertainty.
Gen Z is ambitious, eager, independent and value growth, but they are also excited to share ideas and voice their opinions. According to McKinsey, Gen Z favors a collaborative and inclusive workplace with minimal hierarchy. This type of leadership inspires and energizes the team, further cultivating a strong sense of shared purpose and common goals.
With their tech expertise, innovative mindset, and strong commitment to purpose, Gen Z employees are reshaping the workforce for the better. Companies that embrace their strengths and adapt to their expectations will not only future-proof their business but also build a dynamic, high-performing, and engaged workforce.
Is your company ready to harness the power of Gen Z talent?
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