If you were born between 1997 and 2012, you fall into the Gen Z category. Our marketing executive Marianne Spencer sat down with Lauren Henigan, who spent some time with us over the summer and is entering her final GCSE year, to ask her views on the ideal workplace.
What type of company culture do you think would keep you engaged and motivated?
I would prefer a more casual environment—somewhere relaxed and open where you can have conversations with co-workers. Gen Z tends to have a shorter attention span compared to older generations. Having a space away from the desk and monitor, where it's okay to rest and relax for 10-15 minutes, would help regain focus and better structure the day.
How do you feel about working from home or working in an office full-time? Do you have a preference?
I think hybrid working is most effective for Gen Z. Working in an office gives you the sense of stepping away from work when you leave, allowing you to fully switch off. On the other hand, working from home offers comfort and fewer distractions, especially during video calls.
What does effective teamwork look like to you?
Effective teamwork means everyone shows respect for each other and accepts that everyone is entitled to their opinions. For collaborative work, I would prefer it to be in person rather than online.
How would you prefer to communicate in an office environment – email, phone, FaceTime, or Teams?
As a Gen Z, I prefer phone calls or messaging, but I wouldn't mind using email at work as it comes across as more professional. Calls may also be easier for note-taking.
Some people say that Gen Z and Gen Alpha prefer digital communication over face-to-face interaction. What do you think?
I would agree because Gen Z and Gen Alphas have mostly known digital communication for planning events or conversations rather than face-to-face. I'm comfortable with both but wouldn't want to rely solely on either.
What role does technology play in your ideal workday, and what tools or platforms would you like to use?
Technology plays a big role in an ideal workplace since Gen Z uses it in everyday life, so we wouldn’t struggle with tools like Microsoft Workspaces or other software. I would still prefer laptops over iPads/tablets, but the portability of phones is also useful.
How do you feel about the role of social media in your work life? Should it be integrated into the workplace or kept separate?
Although we’ve grown up with social media, I would still use Teams and email for work, keeping social media for other purposes. Using LinkedIn for professional networking is good, but platforms like Snapchat or Instagram should be for personal use and hobbies.
How important is it for you to work in a company that aligns with your personal values and ethics?
The work environment is as important to me than the specific ethics of a business. Working in a company that aligns with your personal values and ethics makes it easier to settle in. I would want to work for a company where they respect each other’s values and beliefs.
How important is it for your job to have a positive impact on society or the environment?
Many in my generation feel strongly about issues like plastic in the oceans or deforestation. Having a job with a positive impact on society and the environment will resonate with many Gen Zs.
What kind of work environment would make you feel most comfortable and productive?
An environment that promotes teamwork, good communication, and positive feedback or encouragement.
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