Generation Z is the first true digital natives which may make it difficult to communicate and talk to us sometimes, but I promise you we don’t bite. We grew up and are growing up (because some of us haven’t been born yet), with technology at our fingertips. Literally!
Despite us being tech savvy, we appreciate face time (no not the app). Fifty-three percent of Generation Z in research have said they prefer in-person discussion over instant messaging or email, and more than 90 percent of Generation Z prefer to have a human element to their teams, either working solely with innovative co-workers or with co-workers and new technologies. This generation is still changing and growing up; so I ask for your patience and I hope you rest assured after reading this!
In order to understand what Gen Z is capable of doing moving forward , I have to explain the conditions we’ve been raised in. The oldest of the generation will remember the Great Recession. I personally was 8 and this did make an impact in my home. Due to this fact, many appreciate security and balance. Thus some advice on hiring Generation Z employees suggests if you’re looking to recruit members of Generation Z, you may be able to tempt them with promises of job security and raises down the line. This has made us ambitious, hardworking, but also very competitive. Millennials (who came right before us) are said to be collaborative and teamwork oriented, but Gen Z is orientated to be more independent and stand out against competition. The world has become fast-paced in terms of communication, news and transportation, thus it is a constant battle to remain relevant. I personally agree with this statement because I was raised with the mentality to be a “well-rounded student.”
However, this has led us to achieve our goals in nonconventional manners. Many are skipping higher education because Seventy-six percent of Generation Z professionals feel that the skills necessary in today’s workforce are different from the skills necessary in past generations. Although we appreciate security, we also saw the amount of debt that can accumulate. This also contributes to the idea of wanting different skills levels and education. This will in turn create a society that is not catered to the rich and educated. Instead, there are more opportunities for those that want to make a difference. Philanthropist will become inclusive and reflect those who are receiving aid.
Despite our competitive nature we try to be inclusive and considerate of the people and things around us. Sixty-three percent of Generation Z feel it is most important to work with people with diverse education and skill levels. An additional 20 percent think that having people of different cultures (ethnicities or origins) is the most important element to a team. Working in the world of philanthropy, you have to listen and understand different perspectives. You cannot help a community you don’t understand. By becoming more inclusive philanthropy can progress and become efficient in how it helps people.
I can’t tell you what the future of philanthropy will be because most of us are still teenagers.
But we will be inheriting wealth, leading organizations and starting new ones in the next decade or two. Our possibilities have been expanded because our past generations. I promise we will utilize every single one to make the world a better place. I hope you are reassured that there will be hardworking and intelligent individuals in these leadership positions.
Guadalupe Bueno
Julian Grace Foundation 2019 Summer Intern
One Response
Thank you, Guadalupe. Welcome, Generation Z! I am especially encouraged by the high value that Gen Z places on workplace diversity in cultures, ethnicities and origins. I am a Baby Boomer, and our generation has struggled to overcome bias and achieve harmony and productivity in our workplaces of the past thirty years. We are still there in the workplace, and we appreciate Gen Z and a fresh approach.
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