Six ways Generation Z differs

isations struggle to communicate effectively with and develop engaging content for all groups in their multigenerational workforce - ringing especially true with Generation Z. Catering to this more selective attention span is difficult, but not impossible. Based on findings in the State of Attention report, success will hinge on developing content that features “a compelling narrative combined with stimulating visuals and dialogue”.

The top two most important factors Generation Z expert Ryan Jenkins cites for Generation Z at work are “supportive leadership” and “positive relationships at work.” This also reflects the skills that must be taught to future proof the young for a world we don’t yet know. “For Generation Z, technology is a must, but it’s not enough. Serve up the technology they expect while delivering the human element they crave,” says Jenkins.

Finally, though Generation Z is the first generation boasting complete digital literacy, studies conducted by Ryan Jenkins suggest they seek human interactions in their place of work. In fact, 72 percent of Generation Z want to communicate face-to-face in a workplace setting..

3. Made up of “early-starters” Studies have revealed that Generation Z greatly values independence and efficiency, and the prediction is that more 16 to 18-year-olds will go straight into the workforce or educate themselves online, rather than seek out higher education if it isn’t necessary for their chosen career path or passion. While employers in mainstream industries have traditionally examined CVs and candidate applications for the citation of relevant university degrees, increasingly some of the most talented self-directed learners in creative fields of the digital economy, such as web developers, hardware engineers

This means organisations must be prepared for a potentially younger set entering organisations well ahead of the traditional “higher education to first job” timeline, and the entrance of a cohort of self-educated, self-starters who are for the most part independent and creative, having built their knowledge, skills and technical credentials outside of the traditional walls of tertiary education. More early-starters in the workplace means a more significant age gap within teams that will also comprise of the many baby boomers working beyond traditional retirement age. Generation Z will, therefore, need to focus on developing relational and interpersonal skills so that they can work effectively with older colleagues and learn from their knowledge and experience. Equally, older generations will need to adapt to new ways of working, embrace new technologies and accept that they may be reporting to people from a less experienced, younger generation.

4. More Entrepreneurial In short, Generation Z desires more independent work environments. According to Generation Z marketing strategist Deep Patel, “the newly developing high tech and highly networked world has resulted in an entire generation thinking and acting more entrepreneurially.” In fact, global surveys have revealed that 72 percent of teens say they want to start a business someday. It is suggested that many of Generation Z’s identifying traits can be traced back to the recession in 2008, from their frugality, to their value of experiences, and increased likelihood to become entrepreneurs.

5. Prefer the Gig Economy Studies conducted by Deloitte in Australia suggested Generation Z were more agile and desired greater job movement than their predecessors. According to research, the “gig economy” (work that is contract-based or freelance) has become an attractive employment option for Generation Z, with 81 percent considering working in a contract or freelance capacity, rather than going down the fulltime job route. While for many years the gig economy was considered to be ‘alternative work’, supplementary to full-time jobs, today, this segment of the workforce is mainstream. Smart businesses are recognising that this is how Generation Z want to work and are looking strategically at all types of work arrangements in their plans for growth. Think cross-functional, multicultural and virtual teams which will form and then disband rapidly as per project demand.

6. More impatient / higher expectations This generation values information on-demand; and you can’t exactly blame them. Generation Z was born into a world effectively entwined with technology. Innovations and inventions that were once viewed as incredible and inspiring are now taken as a given for Generation Z. Bank transactions and new friends can be made with the swipe of a screen, movies can be downloaded with the click of a button, and uber and home food delivery can be ordered with the tap of a finger. Most of life’s “admin” which once took time and effort can now be managed within a mere few seconds, and all from the palm of our hand. For this reason, when things don’t happen fast, members of Generation Z are likely to believe something is “wrong” and will grow impatient and frustrated. How does this translate to the workplace? Generation Z is more likely to expect high functioning and seamless IT systems and fluid physical work environments, in order to feel enabled, productive and satisfied.

Both the challenges and strengths presented by Generation Z, if managed and harnessed effectively, can transform teams and organisations into powerhouses, and therefore organisations must observe, listen, and adapt their corporate culture and systems to the varied needs of this group. For companies who wish to succeed, it is imperative to rethink strategies to best leverage the new age ideas, knowledge, independence, and ambition of this tech savvy generation of digital natives, and organisation who facilitate this evolution so will reap the rewards.

Incredible new outdoor attraction open in Abu Dhabi - and for now it’s FREE

Jubail Mangrove Park opened on January 30. The much-anticipated Mangrove Walk on Al Jubail Island in Abu Dhabi opened on Thursday.

A project by Modon Properties, the 1 million-square-metre area is full with mangroves that spread out on either side of a winding boardwalk.

The Qurum Walkway is open to visitors daily from 8am to 6.30pm, and is free to visit at the moment.

The visitors' centre includes a coffee shop and washrooms. Guests can then head out to the boardwalk, which has three routes. The longest is 2 kilometres and the shortest is 1km.

Over 5,000 new parking spaces to be created in in Al Ain Motorists are now advised to secure parking permits before the activation of the scheme in their areas

More than 5,000 new parking slots are set to be created in Al Ain city starting March 1, transport authorities in Abu Dhabi announced on Monday, February 17

The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi said that with the initiative, a total of 5,198 paid parking bays will be built in Al Ain Mall area (Othman Ibn Affan Street) and Al Sarouj area (Zayed bin Sultan Street).

Motorists are now advised to secure parking permits before the activation of the scheme in their areas.

“The ITC calls on motorists in residential areas to obtain resident parking permits from affiliated customer happiness centres or online via (www.itc.gov.ae) before the activation of the parking management to avoid fines. Permits shall be valid from the actual date of the service launch,” officials said.

Annual permit fees for expat residents are Dh800 for the first year and Dh1,200 for the second. Permits are also issued bi-annually for Dh400 for the first one and Dh600 for the second - based on the remaining time of the tenancy contract, or according to the tenant’s request.

Specifically, there will be 830 standard parking bays at Al Hosn; 581 at Al Murabaa; 1,492 at Al Neyadat; and 2,137 standard parking bays along with 158 premium parking bays at Al Kuwaitat.

The project is part of the second phase of Al Ain’s new public parking scheme called Mawaqif, which seeks to provide innovative parking solutions, streamline traffic flow, and organise parking in the city.

Owing to the city’s growing population and a significant increase in the number of registered vehicles, Mawaqif has been implemented in Al Ain since August 2017.

“The overall objective is to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and reduce random parking all over the city,” officials said in a statement.