Emma OkonjI
Generation Z (Gen Z), which is the acronym for post-millennials that were born after 1996, as named by Dell Technologies, are entering the workforce, bringing with them a tech-first mentality that will propel businesses further into the digital era while potentially deepening the divide among five generations in the workplace, a report has stated.
According to global research commissioned by Dell Technologies, post-millennials, also known as Gen Z, have a deep, universal understanding of technology and its potential to transform how we work and live.
Corporate Fellow and Vice President of Technology Strategy, Dell Technologies, Danny Cobb, said: “It’s almost a given that these digital natives have advanced technology and data science skills, but what is surprising is the level of digital maturity they are bringing to the workplace.
“Yet we haven’t raised a generation of robots. Gen Z sees technology not only as a tool for enabling human progress, but also as a means for leveling the information empowerment playing field. Their combination of vision and optimism is remarkable.”
The Dell Technologies survey of more than 12,000 high school and college students in 17 countries, reveals the younger generation’s outlook on technology and future jobs.
According to the report, 98 per cent have used technology as part of their formal education; 91 per cent say the technology offered by an employer would be a factor in choosing among similar job offers; 80 per cent want to work with cutting-edge technology, but of those, 38 per cent are interested in Information Technology (IT) careers, 39 per cent want to work in cybersecurity and 46 per cent aspire to do technology research and development, while 80 per cent believe technology and automation will create a more equitable work environment by preventing bias and discrimination.
An overwhelming 89 per cent recognize that we are entering the age of human-machine partnerships: 51 per cent of those surveyed believe that humans and machines will work as integrated teams, while 38 per cent see machines as tools for humans to use as needed.
While most Gen Zers were confident with their technical prowess, they were also worried about having the soft skills and experience that employers are seeking.
According to the report, only about half, which is 57 per cent, rate their education as good or excellent in preparing them for their careers
About 52 per cent are confident they have the tech skills employers want but not necessarily the non-tech skills.
At the same time, senior professionals are concerned they are being outpaced and that a majority of leadership roles in the future will be filled by digital natives. According to previous Dell Technologies research, 87 per cent of business leaders fear that their organisations will struggle to offer equal opportunities across generations.
