Gen Z PH: The future is here

As another academic year draws to a close, a significant number of newly-graduates are expected to join the workforce. How can organisations prepare to attract and sustain this new digital talent while leveraging the strengths of a multigenerational workforce?

With Generation Z (Gen Z) potentially accounting for over 20% of the workforce by 2020, their views on technology as well as the workplace will reshape the workforce. These post-millennials, born after 1996, have a deep, universal understanding of technology and its potential to transform how we work and live.

Based on Dell Technologies’ research entitled “Gen Z: the future has arrived,” the infographic attached shows how Filipino Gen Z-ers are cognizant of the power of technology to transform an organisation and their career opportunities. An overwhelming 99% said they recognize the importance of tech literacy.

As we anticipate the graduation season, organizations must ready themselves in welcoming these fresh graduates, unifying the diverse strengths of a multigenerational workforce, and taking steps to democratise knowledge across the business to thrive in the digital era.

To better aid you on the infographic, below is a summary of the Philippine research findings:

1) Gen Z wants to work with cutting edge technologies; Advanced technology will entice Gen Z job candidates and organisations are encouraged to take a tech-first approach – from the hiring process, to onboarding, to the daily work experience

• 88% Filipinos aspire to work with cutting edge technologies
• 97% Filipinos will consider the type of technology provided as important when considering two similar jobs

2) Gen Z-ers are eager to share their knowledge; To reduce an inevitable ‘digital divide’ among five generations at the workplace, business leaders should consider tech mentorship programmes to address variances in IT competency and build a more well-integrated workforce

• 86% Filipinos are willing to be technology mentors to others on the job
• 78% can picture themselves as “digital ambassadors” for their company

3) Gen Z-ers are confident about their tech skills, but that doesn’t equate to workforce readiness; Organisations that that develop upskilling initiatives (including internships and rotation programmes) for these digital natives, as well as creating cross-functional teams with complementary skillsets, will benefit from fresh approaches to problem-solving and strong knowledge exchange opportunities

• 88% Filipinos ranked their technology literacy as good or excellent
• 68% Filipinos are more confident that they have the technology skills employers want than non-tech skills
• 96% Filipinos have concerns about starting work

4) Beyond income, Gen Z considers other things as important for their work. Gen Z wants more than just money for their work; Employers should encourage corporate social responsibility initiatives as well as have a strong purpose beyond business. Learning and development at the work place will also serve as key levers to attract and retain Gen Z candidates

• 53% want to work for a socially or environmentally responsible organization
• 67% want the ability to learn new skills and have new experiences
• 52% want work that has meaning and purpose beyond just getting paid

5) Gen Z is eager for more human interaction; Organizations should build a flexible work environment that serves a diverse set of work styles with a strong blend of in-person and virtual collaborative workspaces as well as immersive tools such as AR and VR to enable teams to deliver their best output

• 53% Filipinos prefer in-person communication as the preferred method for communicating with coworkers; text ranked last versus
• 77% Filipinos expect to learn on the job from coworkers or other people – not online
• 91% say there are work-related benefits to social media including communicating with people in your profession
• 60% Filipinos prefer to go to a workplace vs. working from home
• 74% Filipinos prefer to work as part of team vs. working independently