Gen Z: Game Changers of the Business World

A man working on a laptop at a desk.

Hello everyone! 💫

I am happy to share an energetic and informative article with you in the new week.

In this article, we will talk about the technology generation called Gen Z, which has just stepped into the business world but has been talked about a lot in recent years. Gen Z is challenging the previous generations with their different habits and skills.

So how will Gen Z shape business life in the long run? What should managers and employers know and consider about this generation?

I hope you will enjoy reading this article and gain new perspectives.

If you are ready, let's get started! 🚀

Who is this Gen Z?

This generation born in the mid-90s to the early 2000s, has had the internet since they were born. We are talking about a generation that loves and follows technology, is open to change, can focus on more than one area at the same time, and has a wide imagination.

They are born into the digital world and technology, so we can briefly call this generation the "Technology generation".

This generation, which was raised by Gen X, lives almost mobile and is much more pragmatic than the previous generation. Their world and their way of looking at life are different from generations X and Y. While previous generations may have adapted to the digital age, Gen Z has grown up with it as an integral part of their lives from a very young age. They are true digital natives, navigating social media platforms, online communication, and the latest technological advancements.

This technology generation is making sentences with "Emojis" and expressing themselves with "Selfies" on a daily basis. They do not know how to live without Internet access. Their access to information is very fast and very easy.

Why Is Social Media So Important?

For Gen Z, social media is more than just a platform for sharing pictures and staying connected with friends. It has become a powerful tool for self-expression, exploration, and empowerment.

This generation spends most of its day online.

But for which purposes do they use social media?

Up-to-date information

Gen Z enjoys sharing their daily lives on social media and is also curious about what others do in their daily lives. It is very important for them to have up-to-date information about their friends and surroundings.

Interaction with Friends

Gen Z, who is constantly online, communicates with their friends through texts, images, and stories via social media.

Personal Branding

Influencer or phenomenon concepts were born with the Y generation. However, today, the generation that attaches the most importance to individualization and personal branding is the Z generation. Gen Z produces content to brand and improves themselves.

FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)

Fomo is most common in this generation. The fear of missing out on news or news from their friends is forcing them to constantly check social media

Favorite Social Media Platforms

Youtube stands out as Gen Z’s most used platform, followed by Instagram and Tiktok.

YouTube

This generation, which can easily access information, actively uses the Youtube platform. Being a "Youtube Phenomenon" with Gen Z has now become a profession. There are a lot of Gen Zs today who earn their income this way.

Instagram

Social media platforms that offer the opportunity to produce visual and video content, personalize and reach more users have always been the focus of Gen Z's attention. The story-sharing feature, allows users to share temporary content and provides a more instant interaction.

TikTok

The generation that attaches importance to personal branding and being a phenomenon is very interested in Tiktok. The content format of TikTok is video-oriented and users create and share short videos. This provides a faster and more interactive experience. Also, TikTok's algorithm delivers personalized content based on user's interests and behaviors, so users can discover videos that interest them.

Gen Z is using TikTok as a Search Engine

When Gen Z seeks information or advice, TikTok becomes their go-to destination. Whether they're in search of recommendations for charming local cafes, the top-rated Italian restaurant in London, current exhibitions in Paris, tips on crafting a compelling cover letter or navigating through a clean break-up, TikTok serves as their ultimate resource hub.

We can say that Gen Z finds information on TikTok more personalized, real, and valuable than a search result on Google.

It is predicted that in the future, TikTok will not just be a social media platform for Gen Z. Gen Z will be able to find a job with TikTok. This platform, which will be exclusive to Gen Z, will not be embedded in the application but will serve through a separate website. Accordingly, the user, who will choose the suitable posting from the job postings to be found in the application, will be directed to the website from the application. Here, the user will be asked to share their resume in the form of video content to appeal to Gen Z and to create richer data for recruiters in terms of body language and self-expression skills.

Gen Z in the Business World

In past generations' interviews, the employer asked the candidate, "Why should I hire you?"

These times, Gen Z candidates ask the employer "Why should I choose you?"

They are different than the previous generations, and not afraid to take risks!

But what does Gen Z expect in the business world? More empathy? Extra time off?

In the business world, Gen Z attaches importance to flexible working models, focusing on learning and development. Work-life balance is very important to them. They are value-oriented. They pay attention to the consistency in the core values and discourses of the institution they work for. They are fond of their freedom, they do not prefer to make concessions on this issue. In addition, the investment of their companies in both the professional and personal development of their employees is very important for Gen Z.

For this reason, nowadays the business world develops strategies to offer suitable business environments and products to Gen Z. While employers aim to attract Gen Z employees by emphasizing technology and innovation in their recruitment processes, brands are trying to reach this generation by using social media and digital marketing channels effectively.

When we think about the pandemic process, all the dynamics of business life have changed in the last 2 years. Gen Z is a lucky generation because they are already a generation born into technology.

The expectations of Gen Z for flexible working models in business life before the pandemic suddenly became the norm of the business world. Of course, they are the generation that adapts the fastest to this change.

The Future Workforce

According to the World Economic Forum, by the year 2025, Gen Z will make up approximately 33% of the global workforce.

Gen Z employees prioritize self-care, mental well-being, and global concerns, and if these aspects are not integrated into your company's culture, it can significantly discourage them from engaging with your organization.

We can say that Gen Z employees will be the game changers in the business world. They will continue to play an even more influential role in business and society.

They will not only maintain their influential role but also amplify it further in the realms of business and society. With their innate digital fluency, and ability to adapt to rapid changes, Gen Z will shape industries, drive innovation, and redefine the norms of success.

Companies will need to adapt their training methods to accommodate the younger workforce, as Gen Z employees possess strong technical skills but may require further development in areas such as face-to-face communication and interpersonal interactions.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article 🙂

Drop a comment letting me know, which generation you belong to. 😉

In this section, which is the first part of my article, I mentioned who Gen Z is, their deep connection with social media, and their impact on the business world.

Stay tuned for the second part, we will continue with Gen Z in a more detailed way. I will be talking about the future Gen Z trends in insurance.🚀

See you soon! 🤗🌟

Berrak Kurtbay

Insurwiz Technology - We make it smart - Quick. Safe. Simple.🧙🏼