"Self‑absorbed, entitled, and attached to their mobile phones." These are some of the common perceptions of Gen Zs, the generation of people born between 1997 and 2012 that is now entering the workforce. But, according to recent research conducted by ServiceNow, Gen Zs are defying some of these stereotypes in the workplace. ServiceNow findings bust several of these myths and show that Gen Zs recognize the promise of technology to improve work experiences, and are not only eager to learn from other generations, but also believe they can help older generations be more open‑minded.
“Gen Zs represent the future of work. As companies drive digital transformation, which impacts work environments and experiences for all employees, it’s critical to understand, rather than stereotype, our newest generation of workers,” said Pat Wadors, ServiceNow’s Chief Talent Officer.
Today, technology is blurring the lines of work and home life like never before. With easy access to apps and communications technology, employees can be accessible 24/7. For Gen Z workers, who grew up with smartphones in hand, technology is second nature.
With one‑third of our lives spent at work, Gen Zs are eager for technology to help simplify their work lives and recognize that technology can play a more significant role in the workplace. Done right, technology can be the catalyst that enables employees to easily navigate the “moments that matter” throughout their career.
According to the new research, Gen Zs and the Future of Work, ServiceNow found that:
■ 69% of Gen Z workers believe work life should be as easy as home life.
■ 54% of Gen Zs want to use 5G networks at work.
■ 53% of Gen Zs want to use connected/smart devices in the workplace.
■ 83% want the apps they use to be mobile optimized.
■ 49% want apps to be voice activated — More Gen Zs in technical positions want voice activated apps (57% vs. 36% of those in non-tech positions).
■ 43% of Gen Zs want to use both wearable technology and AI tools on the job.
■ Gen Zs in technical positions rate state-of-the-art technology 4x higher than Gen Zs in non-tech positions (12% vs. 3%).
■ In the first weeks on the job, nearly a quarter of Gen Zs say it was difficult to use the apps and software required at their workplace.
As Gen Zs increasingly join the workforce, companies should be prepared not only to create a workplace culture that suits their needs, but also utilizes technology to help simplify their work lives. According to Wadors, “As employers, we have an opportunity to be open‑minded and overcome the stereotypes associated with Gen Zs in the workplace. We should listen, learn, and help create an environment and culture that not only equips Gen Zs to improve and grow, but also enables their managers to adapt to their needs.”
Methodology: ServiceNow’s research, “Gen Zs and the Future of Work,” examines the future of work through the eyes of Gen Zs workers. It was conducted in July and August 2019 via a 10‑minute online survey. A total of 424 Gen Zs between the ages of 18‑22 responded to the survey. These respondents work at companies with 1,000 or more employees, including ServiceNow, and they regularly use a computer, laptop, smartphone, or tablet on the job. In addition to this, a separate survey was conducted with 73 ServiceNow Gen Z managers that responded in August 2019.