As a member of Generation Z, I'm almost certain every young person has at least one uncle that always starts sentences with “Back in my day…” and then proceeds to preach about how life was better before technology. Scrolling through social media, how often do you see an illustration like these that depict technology-driven isolation?
Angel Boligan, published April 2019. Dave Whamond, published April 2019.
There was even a newspaper article published with the title "Gen Z is killing Facebook, and 8 more industries could be next." (The title has been changed after pushback, but find it here)
It seems that people are obsessed with talking about Gen Z’s relationship with technology and how detrimental it is to society. The problem with this conversation though is that scholarly research is rarely a part of it. When scholarly research and proven theories are applied, they seem to paint a different picture. With the proper education, Generation Z just might be the most effective communicators yet.
Marvin Meyer, Upsplash.com.
Angel Boligan, published April 2019. Dave Whamond, published April 2019.
There was even a newspaper article published with the title "Gen Z is killing Facebook, and 8 more industries could be next." (The title has been changed after pushback, but find it here)
It seems that people are obsessed with talking about Gen Z’s relationship with technology and how detrimental it is to society. The problem with this conversation though is that scholarly research is rarely a part of it. When scholarly research and proven theories are applied, they seem to paint a different picture. With the proper education, Generation Z just might be the most effective communicators yet.
Marvin Meyer, Upsplash.com.
One thing we know: the current trend of organizations is to move toward team structures. Before, organizations focused on the hierarchy and chain of command for workers, but we now know that teamwork is often the most effective way to accomplish goals. This structure is also the only one that highly encourages peer communication.
Another thing we know: Generation Z has a unique relationship with technology. While Millennials were around when technology boomed, Gen Z was the first to develop right along side it. This relationship fostered an incredible sense of connection. Researchers have even found that common values among Gen Z include equality, service, and helping others. With technology paving the way for more connections to the world, doesn't this seem like a little more than coincidence?
But while research shows that connectedness is ingrained in Gen-Z’s worldview, it also shows that Gen Z sometimes struggles to communicate when entering the workplace.
Solution?
Education.
Communication courses, workshops, mock work situations. If Generation Z already values and embodies a need for connectedness, communication education will only foster these values further. Imagine what will then happen when they encounter team structure, something that thrives on communication.
Cowomen, Upsplash.com
Cowomen, Upsplash.com
To Millennials and before:
Don’t fear for the workplace of tomorrow. Believe in Generation Z. Teach us how to communicate and then sit back and watch what we will do.
Need more proof? Check out buildOn, an organization in which Generation Z is moving thousands of dollars right now to improve education for those on the other side of the world.
Generation Z students who attended the buildOn conference in Detroit, August 2019. Retrieved from Facebook.
Oh hey, and take a peek at my official research too.
Great research and fascinating read! As someone who doesn't belong to Gen Z, it's often hard to imagine myself growing up in a time where technology was growing right along side of me. I enjoyed how you tied in solutions on how other generations can help teach Gen Z about communication to build a stronger organization and expand the lines of communication even further!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, many of the negative headlines surrounding Gen Z are used as click bate to lure readers. Sadly, these headlines work by grabbing the attention of people reminisce about “the good old day”, heck even I’m guilty of it, but these poorly researched articles often generate a feeling of superiority for past generations and solidify stubbornness. The truth is, regardless of how past generations feel about Gen Z they are the future and will be primary influences of policy, government, workplaces and society. So, the sooner we can accept the foundational strengths of each generation, the closer we are to all parties benefiting from synergistically working together.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was very easy to read your post - the spacing helped split up your ideas and I thought the way you indented the word education was an awesome way to emphasize your point.
ReplyDeleteI can see an example of Gen Z's desire to connect in my sister who is always talking with her friends through multiple apps all at once. This is great because she has all this practice with informal communication. However, I sometimes worry how she will communicate face-to-face with her coworkers in the future. Hopefully she will be given the opportunities you mentioned to help Gen Z communicate in the workplace.
I love how younger generations are putting an emphasis on working more flexible schedules and want more opportunities to work from home. I think this generation will have an easier time adjusting to the unique communication style you need for these types of arrangements.
ReplyDeleteWhat an engaging post! I agree that evolving technology has increased our generation's ability to connect with others. This is an important skill to have, but there is more than one way to connect with others. I think face to face communication will always have the highest value. That's why I liked your proposal about courses and workshops. Great job developing a cohesive argument in an area that is new for many people.
ReplyDelete