Gen Z
There is no objection that when Gen Z comes to mind, social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat resonate with them. Can these platforms possibly help these individuals with communication skills and bring benefit to managers? Yes, and here is why.
Gen Z has been raised in a time where there was nothing to learn about technology at an older age. As they grew, technology and social media grew along with them. It was certainly during the time of the amelioration of technology. Millennials, for example, needed to learn how to use these devices as they were not introduced to them in their younger years. Although this may have been a setback for Millennials when stepping out into the workforce, Gen Z is a contrasting story. Managers should expect greater communication quality in these areas; adaptation to communicative software and the ability to receive rapid responses. Excited yet?
Now more than ever managers can implement changes and expect Gen Z employees to adapt and adapt well. This adaptation stems from the ever-changing advancement of cell phone devices, computers, software and the continuously updating social media platforms. Technology is not the only element that has made Gen Z adaptable, but also COVID-19. Millions of students had to leave schedules and plans behind them in the snap of a finger. Many students faced new ways of teaching methods and study habits while being home. Things can change, and Gen Z is used to going along with it. This is to encourage managers to not be afraid of trying new devices or tools of communication. Changing group work to be communicated in apps or in software where everyone can find balance. Gen Z can handle it, and maybe, even the ones who could show managers how to work the technology, which in itself, is a whole other topic to write about.
To use all of the devices, software and social media, people need phones, right? Well, the statement from Mary Kate McGrath in “How to Understand Gen Z Communication Patterns” gives quite the statistics. When speaking of students today, McGrath said, “approximately 95% of Gen Z students have a smartphone and about half of these students use it for more than five hours a day (McGrath).” With these numbers presented, it is safe to assume that these practices or usages of cell phone devices will be brought to the work force. But not to worry, this only means that emails, phone calls, and any other forms of communication can expect a rapid response from Gen Z. There are countless opportunities to be able to reach out to employees knowing that a response should be received in less than an hour. This is the chance to encourage staff to download the company’s email or any communication structure to their device because the notification will catch attention. Be innovative in what can draw the desire of answering pertinent information in a respectful amount of time.
Communication is a key factor in any business format. If there is no communication, there is no business. Thankfully, because of how Gen Z has been brought up, these individuals are able to bring in new light and connection. They are the most connected generation, so why not bring the connectivity in to communicating in order to help the workforce thrive? Be expectant of the skills Gen Z has and use them to the most advantage.
Sources
McGrath, Mary Kate. “How To Understand Gen Z Communication Patterns.” Rave Mobile
Safety, 12 Aug. 2019,
www.ravemobilesafety.com/blog/how-to-understand-gen-z-communication-patterns.