Holly Schroth1
SUMMARY
Gen Z (1997-2013) is just now entering the labor market and employers need to
be prepared for their arrival. While Gen Z shares many traits with the Millennial
Generation, they also bring in new patterns of behavior. Managers today not only
have to understand how to best manage youthful, inexperienced employees, but
also the unique characteristics of the generation shaped by their experiences. Every
generation has its doubts about the younger generation’s culture and technologies.
Understanding their behavior and the distinct needs that they have in the workplace
will lead to better integration of the new employees and mutual success.
Keywords: human capital, human resource management, improving performance,
leadership development, management, management communication, management
development, management skills, organizational behavior, leadership
T he Post-Millennial Generation also known as Gen Z (1997-2013)1
is just now entering the labor market and employers need to be
prepared for its arrival. Generational or cohort differences in traits
occur because the pervasive cultural values and practices change
over time.2 While Gen Z shares many traits with the Millennial Generation, it
also brings in new patterns of behavior. Managers today not only have to understand how to best manage youthful, inexperienced employees, but also the
unique characteristics of the generation shaped by their experiences. Every generation has its doubts about the younger generation’s culture and technologies.
Approaching generational differences with a blame mentality, which was prevalent with the Millennial Generation, only fosters complaints and derision toward
the group instead of focusing on growth-oriented solutions. In addition, every
generation is narcissistic, but narcissism is more associated with youth than
cultural value differences and diminishes over time with exposure to more life
experiences.3 Gen Z has been found to be the most achievement-oriented of the
generations.4 In addition, Gen Zers have greater economic well-being, are more
highly educated, and are more ethnically and racially diverse than any other
generation.5 However, they are also the least likely to have worked when they
Are You Ready for Gen Z in the Workplace?
