Six things you can learn from Gen Z
Whether they’re starting the latest dance craze on TikTok or sharing ideas about how to disrupt business as usual, Gen Z — young people 10 to 25 years old — have ideas that some of us probably wish we’d thought of first.
Gen Z often gets a bad rap. If you’ve heard that they’re lazy, entitled, and a pain to work with, the criticisms may be greatly overstated. Whether you have kids, mentor or work with younger colleagues, you know there is always something you can learn from them.
The truth is that whether they’re starting the latest dance craze on TikTok or sharing ideas about how to disrupt business as usual, Gen Z — young people 10 to 25 years old — have ideas that some of us probably wish we’d thought of first.
While Gen Z is often criticized, in reality there is evidence to show they may be wise beyond their years.
Here’s 6 things you can learn from Gen Z:
1. They Seek The Truth
Gen Z is the first generation born with technology at their fingertips. They are viewed as the “True Gen” because seeking the truth drives them. A key Gen Z characteristic is that they use technology in the search for personal and collective truth, according to a study from McKinsey. Gen Z understands that being authentic leads to freedom of expression, something we all might benefit from because this authenticity fosters understanding and compassion for others who may be different.”
2. They Make Choices Aligned With Their Values
Values matter to Gen Z in every aspect of their lives. Studies have shown they will pay more for environmentally sustainable products, and they believe in supporting — and working for businesses — that share a similar point of view and political beliefs. As Gen Z has shown, opportunities to create change begin with being true to our values. They know that money talks, so they use their dollars to support companies and organizations aligned with their values.
3. They Seek Work-Life Balance
When choosing an employer, Gen Z seeks work-life balance and opportunities for growth. A 2022 survey from Deloitte found that nearly four in 10 Gen Zers acknowledge they plan to leave a job within two years due to dissatisfaction — even without another role lined up.
Gen Z prefers flexible working options because a remote or hybrid workplace creates more freedom to focus on what they care about: spending time with family and friends. Let’s face it, many of us wish we’d had the nerve to tell our bosses, “No, I can’t work late again.” We can thank Gen Z for pushing for more sustainable work environments.
4. They Are More Accepting
Gen Z was raised in diverse households, such as those with a single parent, in multi-racial families, or homes where gender roles were blurred, a study from the Pew Research Center shared. The study also states that Gen Z will be the last predominately white generation.
Unlike prior generations, differences in sexual orientation, religion, or race do not faze members of Gen Z. They’re more open to people who may be different than them. Creating dialog with others while not compromising personal beliefs shows Gen Z’s pragmatism. This Gen Z characteristic could benefit us all. They’ve shown we can embrace our differences while creating welcoming and inclusive spaces where all people can thrive. A 2020 study from McKinsey backs this up finding that more diverse workplaces seem to outperform those that aren’t.
5. They May Be The Most Educated Generation Yet
Unlike the generations that came before them, Gen Z is more likely to stay in school and go on to college, according to the Pew Research Center. Rather than working in their teens, these students put time into their education.
Gen Z values education and understands its benefits, but they’re also troubled by wealth inequality. While they were once expected to be the most financially stable generation, things have shifted due to the pandemic and other global crises. Backing these young people — our future leaders — is one way we can connect and encourage them, while also learning from their example.
6. They Know Mental Health Matters
Gen Z has more awareness of the state of their mental health than any other generation to date. As a result, they’re open to sharing their challenges and diagnoses, according to a study from the American Psychological Association. The study found that Gen Zers are more willing to seek treatment from a psychologist or mental health professional. Roughly 37 percent report they’ve received help.
Being candid about the importance of mental health care benefits everyone. Rather than silently coping, as so many prior generations have done, Gen Z has learned that taking action and being open and honest is critical to living a healthy life.
When you uncover some of Gen Z’s key characteristics, it’s easy to see how they’ve positively impacted the world. Some of the changes we’re experiencing today are because Gen Z has said “no” to the status quo. From being open to diverse groups to understanding the importance of work-life balance and the need for mental health care, they’ve sent a message that being true to yourself matters in everything you do.