Gen Z
Do you recognise what constitutes the most significant challenge I encounter? It is not the threat of artificial intelligence, the ever-increasing competition, or the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Instead, it is Generation Z.
Much of my workforce is becoming increasingly youthful, exacerbating my challenges. The underlying issues become apparent solely during the interview process. For instance, a young woman with a prominent fragrance brand expressed a desire to resign due to the requirement to work six to eight hours a day, six days a week. Naturally, I did not proceed with her employment. Additionally, another candidate resigned from a leading health brand, as the user-generated content produced by the brand was overly research-oriented and did not incorporate K-pop elements.
Training this demographic presents another formidable challenge. Their aversion to email, spreadsheets, or any structured form of communication complicates conveying one’s perspective. Furthermore, if their perspectives do not align with what they perceive as relevant or emotionally intelligent, they may express dissatisfaction by citing mental health concerns. I had to terminate the employment of a Generation Z team member because her views on beauty and wellness were incompatible with the brand’s ethos.
The lack of reading comprehension and an inability to grasp the nuances of language present a significant barrier. A complete disregard for grammatical structures, coupled with their tendency towards monosyllabic expressions, hampers the development of my communication agency. It is perplexing how concepts such as food, layout, meetings, and attire can be perceived as ‘cool’ or ‘dope.’
Contrary to the prevalent assumption, aside from utilizing applications such as Tinder, Bumble, and WhatsApp, Generation Z demonstrates a notable lack of proficiency with technology. The adaptation to evolving technological advancements or software interface updates appears to cause considerable distress, often resulting in prolonged adjustment periods. Adaptability remains a significant concern within this demographic. With a remarkably low threshold for patience and stress tolerance, numerous factors may evoke distress, potentially exacerbating mental health conditions, ranging from ADHD to anxiety. It is pertinent to clarify that I do not intend to diminish the seriousness of mental health issues; however, I struggle to understand the prevalence of similar challenges across the cohort.
Moreover, feedback is frequently misconstrued as criticism, leading to extended periods of sulking. How can professional growth and development occur without constructive feedback? Notably, Generation Z designers from esteemed design institutions often lack foundational knowledge in typography and colour theory. Their interests seem predominantly oriented towards K-pop reels and K-drama. This disconnect between practical experience and real-world challenges renders the hiring process exceedingly daunting.
