6 New Things You Need to Know About GenZ
Surprising stats, findings, and insight into one of the most vocal generations.
There’s an exciting shift happening in the world, and much of this change is being propelled by GenZ.
One of the most vocal generations, GenZ is feeling the brunt of COVID, putting college on hold, living with their parents, and spending a crazy amount of time on social media. In our 4th annual report, “What’s in the Mind’s of GenZ,” sponsored by U.S. Bank and co-sponsored by Forcepoint, we uncovered some incredible new data on their outlook, worries, and insights on how things are and want they want for their future. Following their lead can not only help parents provide guidance for them during these challenging times but also provide insights to employers on how to attract this group of visionaries.
Check out 6 interesting data points from our recent report.
They don’t see themselves as corporate leaders: A whopping 64% don’t see themselves as becoming a leader in the corporate world. The big dream is shifting for GenZ where 53% of GenZ women want to be their own bosses (vs 43% in 2019). Many GenZers realize that the only way to address and solve the enormous challenges facing our country – from racism to climate change – to be their own boss.
New COVID working rules: For GenZers who do want to work for companies, they want to work for someone doing something innovative and as well as those who have a sustainable model for inclusion and diversity. They also want to put their money to what they believe where 43% want to make enough to donate to a charity vs. 40% in 2019.
Their priorities have also changed where in 2019 they wanted an open workplace and great cafeteria to their own office and remote work in 2020. In 2019, they wanted a shorter commute and a mentor; whereas in 2020 they number one thing they want is flexible working hours.
They have a lot of worries: From COVID to political unrest to racism, we’ve seen GenZ use their voices in big ways — participating in everything from Black Lives Matter to protesting Climate Change, and more. In the report, we clearly see these worries take light — as racism, with the focus on Black Lives Matter and diversity at work, shot up 133%, demonstrating how GenZ not only cares about these issues in their personal lives, but wants a workplace environment that reflects their values.
Mental health has also gathered even greater steam – seeing a 20% increase over 2019 and moving up to second place from third in 2019 as GenZ’s single greatest concern – perhaps the result of seeing family members lose jobs and unemployment on the rise. Mental health is number one issue for non-binary individuals. Grades, getting a job, and being successful are also top concerns among GenZ men, with GenZ women right behind.
Respect matters: It’s not enough to have a great company on paper, the entire infrastructure has to demonstrate respect across the board and stand for causes that are topical and humanity-driven. GenZ also wants to be a team where they are respected as well as having a great manager, a team with similar values, and a diverse team.
“People don’t go to work for the money – they want to make an impact,” said 16-year-old Neha Shukla, CEO of SixFeetApart who was recently featured on The New York Times.
Confidence matters: Interestingly, being an entrepreneur is ranked third as something that could improve their confidence, followed by having better public speaking skills.
Impact on their lives COVID: This time has greatly impacted GenZ with many putting college on-hold or spending more time on social media. According to the report, 59% of GenZers are spending more time online and 49% are watching more TV/videos, followed by 28% who see themselves living at home for the unforeseeable future and 18% deferring college. While this is a challenging time, there are still ways that GenZ can advance and grow, such as at Girls With Impact’s live online entrepreneurship program for teen girls, offered year-round. The 10-week, after-school “mini-MBA” moves girls from ideation to a business plan, driving improvements in confidence, leadership, college readiness and professional skills for success. Join us for our next session.
Watch the full briefing with U.S. Bank and Forcepoint below:
