GenZ is credited with fabricating a time where everyone around is a LinkedIn writer, an Instagram influencer, or a YouTube content creator. Contrary to the rhetoric doctor, engineer; now kids dream of being Instagram influencers or YouTube vloggers.
Gen Z: Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Infopreneurship
Gone is the time where only doctors and engineers received prestige and high income. Now it’s at par with respect of streamers, vloggers and reaction channels on YouTube. We have seen the need of police to relay traffic and prohibit mishaps in meetups organized by YouTubers like MrBeast, Carryminati and Triggered Insaan among others. The scope is not limited to fame, people with lakhs of subscribers and millions of views are capable of earning 6 figures a month. There are many examples of kids opening Instagram pages, making regular vlogs and even senior citizens connecting with their friends through technology and social media.
Being an influencer has become a new brand statement and has lots of perks. There are many social media influencers which involves Instagram Influencers, YouTube Influencers and TikTok Influencers. There are business and entrepreneurial influencers including Thought Leaders and Startup Gurus; technology and innovation influencers including Tech Evangelists and Futurists; fitness and wellness influencers including fitness gurus and wellness coaches. We also have fashion and beauty bloggers, educational and academic influencers; health and nutrition influencers and the list remains open ended.
Genz refers to individuals born between mid 1990s to early 2010s. Gen Z are involved in and exposed to technology, entrepreneurship and infopreneurship. These fields are new and young generations get intrigued by them. Fortunate to be born in this technologically advanced era, smart work is the motto of this generation. Thanks to the technology, now people are exposed to a lot of new fields and opportunities. A shoutout to Edutubers and industry experts for providing kids with an overview about different fields and future advises.
I get reminded of a statement by KL Rahul regarding his parents’ dissatisfaction with him being unable to hold a degree despite being cut for Indian National Team. Yes, Indian parents are known for a conservative mindset since they believe education to be the only way to success.
India is new to start-up culture. Recently there was a fever of Shark Tank resulting in people’s growing interest in entrepreneurship. Indian parents, known for a conservative mindset, are gradually evolving. In other developed countries, starting a startup indicates confidence and failure does not matter. However, in India, failing is a taboo that invites criticism with open hands. That is why Indians are afraid of even trying new things and fear of failure in entrepreneurship remains a significant hurdle in the Indian context of success.
Corporate Evolution in the Gen Z Era
Earlier, the corporate world just consisted of 9 to 5 jobs and the same monotonous routine for six days a week. Now, with advancement in technologies, focus on quantitative work has been reduced and has shifted to out of box thinking and qualitative work. Nowadays corporates prioritise talents and skills over degrees. To encourage competitiveness, competitions and tasks are conducted within branches of a corporate in a state as well as multi-state competitions. Winners are accoladed with medals. Good highlights of corporate culture include trips with or without family in different parts of country and travel sponsored by companies.
A drastic shift happened in work culture after corona waves. A new category of hybrid work has emerged, blending offline and online modes. Corporates have adapted to this shift, emphasizing flexibility and work-life balance. Competitions and tasks within corporate branches have become common, fostering competitiveness and recognition through accolades and sponsored trips.
Gen Z: A Workforce Redefining Corporate Dynamics
Digital Natives and Tech Savvy:
Gen Z, being digital natives, effortlessly incorporate technology into their work. Proficient in the latest tools and platforms, they bring a fresh perspective to digital transformation within the corporate setting. Companies benefit from their ability to navigate and leverage emerging technologies.
Entrepreneurial Spirit and Intrapreneurship:
The entrepreneurial mindset of Gen Z extends beyond startups. Within established corporations, they often demonstrate intrapreneurial qualities – seeking innovative solutions, taking calculated risks, and contributing to a culture of continuous improvement. This mindset fosters a spirit of innovation within the corporate structure.
Agile and Adaptable:
Gen Z exhibits agility and adaptability in response to evolving circumstances. Their upbringing in a rapidly changing world equips them with the ability to pivot quickly, making them assets in industries where adaptability is paramount, such as technology, marketing, and strategic planning.
Holistic Work-Life Integration:
The concept of work-life balance has evolved for Gen Z into a more holistic work-life integration. They appreciate workplaces that acknowledge personal priorities, allowing for a seamless blend of personal and professional life. Companies that offer flexible scheduling and remote work options align with Gen Z preferences.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advocates:
Gen Z places a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. They actively seek workplaces that champion these values, fostering an inclusive atmosphere where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel heard and valued. Companies committed to diversity initiatives attract and retain Gen Z talent.
Social Impact and Corporate Responsibility:
Purpose-driven work is a key motivator for Gen Z. They seek employers with a clear commitment to social responsibility and environmental sustainability. Companies engaged in meaningful corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives resonate with this generation’s values, fostering a sense of pride and engagement.
Continuous Learning and Development:
The appetite for learning is insatiable among Gen Z. They appreciate companies that prioritize ongoing learning and development opportunities. Organizations that invest in training programs, mentorship, and skill-building initiatives are likely to retain and motivate Gen Z employees.
Collaboration Tools and Team Dynamics:
Gen Z is well-versed in collaboration tools and thrives in environments that facilitate virtual and in-person teamwork. Companies employing advanced collaboration technologies and fostering a culture of open communication align with Gen Z’s preference for transparent and dynamic team dynamics.
Wellness Programs and Mental Health Support:
Recognizing the importance of mental health, Gen Z values companies that offer wellness programs and mental health support. Employers that prioritize employee well-being through initiatives like mental health days, counselling services, and stress management programs create a healthier and more productive work environment.
Feedback-Centric Performance Culture:
Gen Z desires regular and constructive feedback on their performance. Companies embracing a feedback-centric culture, where performance evaluations are ongoing and transparent, create an environment conducive to continuous improvement and professional growth.
Gen Z: Jack of All Trades, Mastering Multitasking
Being a Jack of all trades and mastering Multitasking have also been on the rise in this time where GenZ and their aspirations take over the world. Between our parents opening Facebook at 40 years of age to GenZ opening Instagram account at 10 years of age, so much has happened. They still seem to be in race of achieving more certifications and skills for sake of resumes. They demand their freedom and space when it comes to work. They are professional yet need their small relaxing break. They are passionate about their work and form bonds with co-workers; thereby constructing a healthy work culture. They know when to raise their voice and when to step back; a blend of perfect decision making.
GenZ are said to be dreamers. They are capable of dreaming, but they quit easily if things don’t go their way. They are impatient in nature and work at deadlines. They also get sudden gratification and are frustrated when they don’t receive instant positive results. Then they are termed as sore losers which crushes their confidence to not dream easily again. In today’s world, a rat race is happening with success-driven mental peace as the prize. We are also rats who are still running till we reach our stop, our defined success.
Embracing the Journey
As the GenZ we want to achieve everything: from high grades to internships with Big4; from extra-curriculars to recognized certifications; from an enormous Instagram following to being a recognized LinkedIn content creator. But that’s not how life works.
In the race for success, Gen Z faces challenges but also brings fresh perspectives and a dynamic work ethic. Life, often considered a tragedy from afar and a comedy up close, is a journey best lived appreciating moments with family, friends, and nature. As mortal beings with destined life and death, embracing memories beautifully and in unison becomes paramount.
Written by – Lucksh Mota
Edited by – Anushka Bhutani