Along with a new perspective on work, technology, and the future, Gen Z brings tremendous workplace potential and new expectations, from recruiting and retention to communications and payroll frequency. Yes, payroll frequency. It’s a thing and an important one!
For Gen Z, the vintage vibes cash gives only adds to its appeal for this nostalgic generation. Plus, for a generation that spends so much time living in a digital and virtual world, holding something with tangible value versus looking at numbers on a small screen is an unexpectedly rewarding experience.
Generation Z is the fastest growing generation in the workforce today, the most valuable generation of emerging consumers, and the greatest driver of technology adoption around the world. Dr. Denise Villa and I researched and co-wrote Zconomy to help leaders in every industry, of every generation, in all geographies best prepare for, understand, and unlock the extraordinary potential of Gen Z at this pivotal time in their emergence.
The current stock market crash and cryptocurrency winter are a shock to every generation, but could be especially formative to Gen Z as they move forward as investors. It’s critically important that the generation not give up on investing but learn from this experience and apply lessons to become better investors as Gen Z has the most time to compound their gains of any adult generation right now!
One new trend to pay close attention to that we are studying at CGK: Ghosting. This is what happens when an employee is hired, agrees to show up to work, but then never arrives on the first day of work. Yes! This happens. And right now, it is happening a lot and creating tremendous frustration for employers. At some point, the employer-employee dynamic will likely change and become more balanced, but for the foreseeable future, ghosting is likely to stick around—so we need to take action to get new hires to stick around, too!
I love working with repeat clients because I get to know their team, culture, challenges, opportunities, and strengths over a long period. Going into the details with clients and working with their teams consistently also builds momentum for action, buy-in, trust, innovation, and results across their organization.
I wanted to make the most of coming full circle back to where it all started. So I took a big risk while back on campus. Right before my informal speech I decided to try something I’ve never done before as a speaker. I had ZERO idea how it would work out. That risk ended up reframing how I saw my own story, my own journey, my own decisions, and how I’ve grown.
The combination of saving for retirement at an early age, seeking out employee benefits such as retirement matching, and a keen interest in being financially self-reliant are setting Gen Z up for a much more solid financial future later in life.
What happens when you combine Gen Z’s burgeoning consumer influence, social media savvy, and Hollywood’s prowess for spotting emerging talent: Hollywood agents finding their newest talent on TikTok, of course!
For the first time ever, many businesses, organizations, and nonprofits are employing five different generations at the same time. That’s right. Five generations! This means leaders are recruiting, retaining, training, communicating, and seeking to drive innovation with Gen Z, Millennials, Generation X, and Baby Boomers at the same time.
As of September 2020, TikTok has grown by 75% and filtered into intergenerational use—signaling Gen Z’s influence in leading consumer behavior which has been likened to what Millennials did with Facebook and Instagram. In fact, TikTok was the most visited website in 2021!!!
The COVID pandemic is the generation-defining event for Gen Z. The effects of the pandemic will shape the rest of Gen Z’s lives. Recently, I spoke with AXIOS to share The Center for Generational Kinetics’ latest research on the challenges many in Gen Z are experiencing as they move further through the pandemic (and, hopefully, enter the post-pandemic period!).
The COVID-19 pandemic is Gen Z’s generational marker. The social and emotional damage this pandemic has had—and will continue to have—on Gen Z cannot be overstated. Candidly, we need to talk about this much more so that it becomes a safe and constructive conversation as we all work to help this generation, their families, and their communities.
I was thrilled to keynote an in-person leadership event in Oregon and sign 300 copies of Zconomy! The questions from attendees were fantastic and we had four generations in attendance. One area I really focused on during my half-day presentation: generational empathy.
I was thrilled to deliver my first-ever keynote in athletic wear, including a bold red t-shirt! The best part: I got to share my favorite research discoveries at the intersection of fitness, marketing, employment, and Gen Z retail trends.
Without question, the pandemic has put a new lens on how Gen Z thinks about their future, from education and living arrangements to work and personal finances. One key first step for Gen Z will be navigating their entry into the workforce as they seek to expand their independence as emerging adults and trendsetters.
Gen Z needs to be diligent in continuing their personal financial education and doing their research before following every piece of advice given by someone on their favorite platform set to catchy music and visuals.
I shared with S&P Global how important it is for companies to position themselves to win Gen Z consumers now—and how some companies are already succeeding.
In this research-driven article in MarketWatch, I shared with exactly what you need to know to connect to Gen Z now by keeping these key trends in mind.
I am thrilled to share that our new book, Zconomy: How Gen Z Will Change the Future of Business, was named a Top 10 Business Book in Forbes! This is incredibly exciting for Dr. Villa and me. Read an excerpt from the Forbes.com article.
