Generation Z wants to work with future technology trends - here’s why

Generation Z - the technology generation

Depending on who you ask, Generation Z comprises young people born after 1996, give or take a few years. That means that they’re currently about 22-years-old and entering the workforce. This is the generation that has never known a world without the internet and couldn’t cope without checking their smartphone every few minutes. So, it’s really no surprise that this is the generation that wants to work with tech and future technology trends.

New research by Dell Technologies has found that this generation understands digital transformation and wants to work in tech-related fields. The information technology company surveyed more than 12 000 members of this generation, aged between 16 and 23 years old, in 17 countries. The way we work and live can be transformed by technology, and young people understand that.

Who are the members of Generation Z?

Impatient, self-taught, talented, brilliant, ambitious and pragmatic. These are just some of the words that have been used to describe Generation Z. And they’re soon going to make up the majority of the workforce. So, it’s high time you get properly acquainted with them.

Generation Z is being characterized as one who wants to work and learn. The members of this generation have lived through difficult financial times and employment scarcity. They know they need to find work that can support them financially, but they also want to work in a career that fuels their passions and interests. They know they need to be agile and open to the changing world around them. And those are just some of the reasons why they are so eager to work with technology trends.

What are their values?

Even more so than previous generations, this generation wants to do good. They want their work to matter and they want to work for an employer who has the same values. Sometimes dubbed “Philanthroteens”, this is the generation that used their allowance from a young age to donate to the causes they believed in. And that spirit of generosity is now translating into their workplace preferences. If yours is a workplace that does this kind of work, whether as part of service offerings or as corporate social investment work, be sure to make it known. That could be exactly what attracts the attention of your next rising star employee.

What areas do they want to work in?

Generation Z wants to work with “cutting-edge” future technology trends, says the Dell Technologies research. In addition to embracing this type of technology, they want to pass on their knowledge of existing tech and technology trends. According to the study, a massive 91 percent say that the technology offered by employers would impact choosing a future job.

Employers, it’s safe to say that it's time to pack away your behemoth-sized desktop computers. Augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR) are two areas that interest these young people. They’re also enthusiastic about artificial intelligence (AI), and working in cybersecurity. They’re most passionate about wanting to explore future technology trends as they’re released.

Generation Z is also made up of would-be entrepreneurs. They want to start their own business and lead a team of people in creating a new product or service offering. Due to their interest in flexible working schedules and environments, it’s likely your Generation Z employees will be running a little something on the side after working hours.

When considering how your workplace will accept these tech-loving young people into the workforce, it’s important to keep in mind that they are ready and willing to learn.

They’re also enthusiastic about the opportunity to mentor some of their older colleagues and teach them about the latest technology trends. Machine learning, Internet of Things (IOT) devices, and AI might be unfamiliar concepts to your older staff members right now.

They won’t be for much longer if Generation Z has their way.

What’s obvious is that the workplace is changing rapidly. If you’re interested in the topic, read our recent article about the need for an increased number of women working in tech. The future of tech certainly looks very different to what we’ve imagined up until now. And that’s a good thing.