NOURNEWS: The term “Generation Z” has become common recently. The term is particularly heard on social networks and involves a number of youths with similar features. The first thing that comes to mind when talking about a generation is individuals of the same age. You can call them same-generation people. We use people of the same generation to refer to those enjoying the same memories and joint experiences. We may also attribute various traits to our generation. For example, the term “burnd generation,” which means a generation deprived of its primary needs who face many hardship during its growth, is very popular in Iran. However, people of different generations use it to describe themselves.
Meaning and Examples of Generation Z
Generation Z, in brief Gen Z, are individuals who were born between 1995-2010, according to sociologists. Various traits have been attributed to this generation. They are often described as impatient, demanding, careless, and, of course, influential. However, they are more than these traits.
The most important and clear feature of Gen Z is probably their connection to the internet and the digital world. This generation is very interested in doing most of its activities online and, unlike previous generations, does not like to do things traditionally. They are just a few clicks away from doing everything. This generation even selects internet-based jobs for earning a living, so they are permanently learning in this field. Their information about the field is so extensive that it amazes the people around them. They are also interested in online shopping and meet most of their needs online. Gen Z becomes aware of the smallest changes on the web and gets its news and information from this space. Therefore, they are called the always-online generation.
Gen Z likes to be active on social networks, make broad connections in these spaces, and have a high number of virtual friends. They like to share their daily activities with their friends online and make use of their advice. They take part in online conversations fearlessly and like to broaden the range of their online friends. However, they sometimes feel depressed and isolated.
They strongly believe in freedom of speech and think it is vital to express whatever goes through their minds without concerns. This generation has a high-demanding spirit, is critical and precise. It is important for them to negotiate their demands and use all their efforts to organize things.
Receiving validation from others is also important to them. They like the positive consequences of their actions to be seen and appreciated by others. Therefore, they are quite different from the humble generation that preceded them. Because they are highly creative, it is more likely that they will create and innovate, making them seem more influential than the previous generation.
Why is it important to get to know Gen Z?
Currently, individuals aged between 13-28 fall into the category of Gen Z, which means a section of them have entered the job market, and some of them are still studying and will enter the job market in the future. It is obvious that they will constitute the dominant working force, including employees and employers, in the future. So, getting to know them is vital to have a better vision of the future.
Globally, Gen Z is of high importance and reportedly will account for 50 percent of the workforce in a few years from now, making it necessary to know them and their needs.
In an article published in Nov. 2023 in Forbes Magazine, six ways were introduced for better interaction with people of Gen Z in workplaces.
First, it is better to focus on output rather than behavior because Gen Z can process information faster than older colleagues, and while you are still explaining the problem, they have already caught it. Second, select communication channels that Gen Z feel better working with. For example, do not call them because they may get disturbed. Third, recognize the things that are important to Gen Z. Fourth, honesty and transparency must be your priority. Fifth, they understand silence very differently and interpret it as a sign of inattention. So, you should know how to fill the silence with fruitful and face-to-face interaction. Sixth, you should be aware of their fears. One of the biggest fears of Gen Z is that they think their older colleagues show no respect for them. They lose their interest in working when they face criticizing words that describe them as being lazy, very emotional, and uninterested in working.
According to an article released in April 2024 by The Economist, Gen Z constitutes half of the workforce in rich countries. They usually work full-time and are taking over from people born between 1945-1964. So, companies, governments, and investors must understand them.
However, research conducted by Gallup in April 2024 shows that about a quarter of this generation are not happy, half of them suffer from anxiety, and 1 out of 5 are depressed.
Iranian Gen Z and future challenges
As we approach the snap presidential election in Iran, paying attention to the demands and needs of Generation Z and their perspective has captured the attention of some experts, candidates, and advisors.
Some have learned the proper way of communicating with Gen Z and know that negotiating with them on social media is helpful. Regardless of being a politician or manager at different levels, you can directly talk to them through media. This is the favorite way of communication for Gen Z, who do not like to be just listeners.
Iranian Gen Z shares many commonalities with their peers globally thanks to communication through the web. They are talking about their needs and demands very clearly and are seeking ways to find access to them. Interacting with this generation will undoubtedly make a better future.
NOURNEWS