Fellow Gen Zers! The workforce is constantly evolving, with new generations of employees entering the job market bringing our own unique skills, attitudes, and expectations to the workplace. One of the most recent generations to join the workforce is Generation Z or Gen Z for short. Yeah, that’s us! Our generation, Gen Z, was born between 1997 and 2012 and we're just starting to make our way into the working world. We're known for being hardworking, and super tech-savvy, and we want to make a difference with the work we do. Continue reading to know more about being a Gen Z in the Workplace.

Register here to become a Gen Z in the workplace. Check out our Ages Pages to find the best jobs between the ages of 12 to 18 years old. Or go through our Application Tips to create and perfect your CV, ace that interview and to find out all about working in the UK.

Traits of Gen Z in the Workplace

Generation Zs at work, we know that our workforce is a unique and diverse group of individuals with our own set of values and traits that set us apart from previous generations. To effectively manage and engage us, it is crucial for employers to understand our characteristics and how we approach work.

One of our key traits in the workplace is our comfort with technology. Having grown up with it, we are comfortable using technology in all aspects of our lives. We are often referred to as the most tech-savvy generation yet, making us well-suited to jobs that require proficiency with technology. We can quickly adapt to new software, tools, and platforms and are comfortable using them to streamline our work.

Another characteristic of our generation in the workplace is our ability to multitask. We are used to consuming information in multiple formats simultaneously, such as watching a video while scrolling through social media. This skill makes us valuable employees in fast-paced environments, especially in industries such as media, advertising, and public relations.

We are also known for our independence, being more independent than previous generations. We are used to finding information online and working collaboratively with our peers. This makes us well-suited to jobs that require independent thinking and problem-solving skills. We are not afraid to take on new challenges and are often eager to learn new skills.

In addition to our independence, we are also more entrepreneurial than previous generations. We are interested in starting our own businesses and are drawn to jobs that offer opportunities for growth and development. This makes us ideal candidates for positions in startups or businesses that offer a sense of ownership and autonomy.

As a purpose-driven generation, we are passionate about social causes and seek out jobs that align with our values and provide a sense of purpose. We want to feel that our work is making a positive impact on society. Employers who want to attract and retain us need to demonstrate that they share our values and have a commitment to social responsibility and environmental sustainability.

We value diversity and inclusivity and are more likely to seek out employers who share these values. We want to work in an environment where everyone is respected and valued regardless of their race, gender, or sexual orientation. Employers who demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusivity will be more likely to attract and retain us.

Finally, we are more interested in work-life balance than previous generations and prioritize flexibility in our work schedules. We want to have time for our personal lives and hobbies outside of work. An employer who offers flexible work arrangements, such as remote work and flexible hours, is way more attractive to us. Find out about what you can do about your well-being at work with our Career Advice.

Different Generational Workplace Traits

Contract Types for Generation Z in the Workforce

As a Gen Z, you can expect to have access to a range of contracts and employment opportunities. Here are some types of contracts you may come across:

Internships: Internships are typically short-term contracts that allow you to gain practical experience in a particular field or industry. They are often unpaid but can be a valuable way to build your skills and network.

Placements: Similar to internships, placements involve working for a company or organization for a set period of time. However, placements are typically part of a formal education program and may be required to complete a degree or certification.

Part-time jobs: Part-time jobs involve working for a company or organization on a part-time basis. These jobs may be ideal for students or those looking for a more flexible work schedule.

Graduate jobs: Graduate jobs are typically entry-level positions that are specifically targeted at recent graduates. These jobs may offer training and development opportunities to help you build your skills and progress in your career.

Full-time jobs: Full-time jobs involve working for a company or organization on a full-time basis. These jobs may offer a more stable income and benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

It's important to note that the availability of these types of contracts may vary depending on your industry and location. It's always a good idea to research the job market and network with professionals in your field to find out what types of opportunities are available to you.

Gen Z Jobs 

We have unique traits that make us well-suited for a variety of jobs If you're wondering which career paths are particularly fitting for our generation, here are some options to consider:

Technical and IT Jobs: Our proficiency with technology puts us in a prime position to pursue jobs in the tech sector, like software engineering, web development, and data analysis. Some popular roles for Gen Z techies in the UK include IT support, software development, cyber security, and network engineering. Big companies such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft offer many opportunities in these fields.

Entrepreneurship: Our entrepreneurial mindset makes us a great fit for working with startups or launching our own businesses. In the UK, there are numerous start-ups that are keen on hiring young professionals to help grow their ventures. Popular start-up industries in the UK include e-commerce, fintech, and food delivery. Many universities and business schools in the UK offer courses and programs that focus on entrepreneurship as well.

Social media Jobs: Our comfort with social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter makes our valuable assets for social media management, digital marketing, and content creation. Popular job roles in this sector for Gen Z in the UK include social media managers, digital marketing executives, and content creators. Many creative and media companies are in need of young professionals who are skilled at leveraging social media.

Healthcare Jobs: As passionate advocates for social causes, Gen Z is well-suited to jobs in the healthcare sector such as nursing, public health, and healthcare administration. In the UK, the healthcare industry is rapidly growing, and there is a high demand for healthcare professionals. Popular job roles for Gen Z in healthcare include healthcare assistants, mental health support workers, and healthcare project managers.

Education Jobs: We value education, and as such, are great candidates for jobs in the education sector, such as teaching, tutoring, and curriculum development. In the UK, there are many opportunities for young professionals to work in education. Popular job roles in the education sector for Gen Z include primary school teachers, secondary school teachers, and teaching assistants. Additionally, many universities and colleges in the UK offer jobs in academic support, such as tutoring and academic advising. 

Tips for Succeeding as a Gen Z in the Workforce

As Gen Z we are constantly wanting to succeed in the workplace, and this may seem daunting. However, by keeping the following tips in mind, you can set yourself up for success:

Develop your communication skills: Effective communication is crucial in the workplace, so it is important to hone your skills in this area. This includes being able to communicate clearly and respectfully with your colleagues, actively listening to others, and being able to give and receive feedback.

Be adaptable: The modern workplace is constantly changing, so it is important to be able to adapt to new situations and technologies quickly. This includes being willing to learn new skills and take on new challenges.

Be proactive: Take the initiative to identify and solve problems before they become major issues. This can include anticipating your manager's needs, taking on extra responsibilities, and seeking out opportunities to improve processes.

Build relationships: Developing strong relationships with your colleagues and managers can help you succeed in the workplace. This includes being a team player, showing empathy and understanding, and being supportive of your colleagues.

Prioritize work-life balance: While it is important to work hard and be productive, it is equally important to prioritize your mental and physical well-being. This includes taking breaks when needed, setting boundaries, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This has become even easier now that working from-home jobs are increasing in popularity!

Be tech-savvy: As a tech-savvy generation, Gen Z is well-positioned to succeed in the modern workplace. Make sure to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and tools used in your industry.

By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success in the workplace and thrive as a member of Gen Z.

In conclusion, as Generation Z in the workplace, we bring unique skills, attitudes, and expectations to the workplace. Our proficiency with technology, multitasking abilities, independence, and entrepreneurial mindset makes us well-suited for a variety of job roles, including technology, entrepreneurship, social media, healthcare, and education. Employers who understand our values and characteristics, such as a commitment to diversity, social responsibility, and work-life balance, are more likely to attract and retain us. To succeed in the workforce, we should focus on developing our communication skills, building our network, being open to learning and feedback, and prioritizing our mental and physical health. By doing so, we can make a positive impact and thrive in our careers.