Gen Z @ Work: How the Next Generation Is Transforming the Workplace

A generations expert and author of When Generations Collide and The M-Factor teams up with his seventeen-year-old son to introduce the next influential demographic group to join the workforce—Generation Z—in this essential study, the first on the subject.

They were born between between 1995 and 2012. At 72.8 million strong, Gen Z is about to make its presence known in the workplace in a major way—and employers need to understand the differences that set them apart. They’re radically different than the Millennials, and yet no one seems to be talking about them—until now. This generation has an entirely unique perspective on careers and how to succeed in the workforce.

Based on the first national studies of Gen Z’s workplace attitudes; interviews with hundreds of CEOs, celebrities, and thought leaders on generational issues; cutting-edge case studies; and insights from Gen Zers themselves, Gen Z @ Work offers the knowledge today’s leaders need to get ahead of the next gaps in the workplace and how best to recruit, retain, motivate, and manage Gen Zers. Ahead of the curve, Gen Z @ Work is the first comprehensive, serious look at what the next generation of workers looks like, and what that means for the rest of us.

This book unpacks the seven surprising traits that define this new generation:

• A Phigital Mindset: Discover why Gen Z sees no line between the physical and digital worlds, and how their expectation of seamless technology will reshape everything from communication to the very definition of “the office.”
• The DIY Generation: Learn why this fiercely independent generation, raised on YouTube tutorials and side hustles, prefers to work alone—and how to manage them without stifling their entrepreneurial spirit.
• Realistic, Not Idealistic: Unlike the Millennials before them, Gen Z grew up during a recession. Understand their pragmatic and often skeptical approach to careers, money, and success.
• Driven to Compete: Raised by Gen X parents who taught them that there are winners and losers, Gen Z is hungry to roll up their sleeves. Find out how to harness their competitive drive to build a stronger team.

Born between 1995 and 2012, at 72.8 million strong, Gen Zers are about to make their presence known. They’re radically different from the Millennials, yet no one seems to have been talking about them—until now.

This generation has a unique perspective on careers and how to succeed in the workforce, and Gen Z @ Work introduces these seven distinguishing traits:

• Phigital—The line between the physical and digital worlds for Gen Z hasn’t just been blurred; it’s been completely eliminated. Ninety-one percent of Gen Zers say that a company’s technological sophistication would
influence their decision to accept a position with a firm.

• Hyper-Custom—Gen Zers have always worked hard at identifying and tailoring their brands for the world to know. From job titles to career paths, the pressure to customize has been turned up! Fifty-six percent of Gen Zers want to write their own job descriptions.

• Realistic—Growing up with skeptical Gen X parents in the aftermath of 9/11 and the Great Recession has created in Gen Z a very pragmatic mind-set when it comes to preparing for the future.

• FOMO—Gen Zers suffer from an intense fear of missing out on anything. The good news is that they will stay on top of all trends; the bad news is that they will worry they’re not moving ahead fast enough.

• Weconomists—From Uber to Airbnb, Gen Zers have only known a world with a shared economy. They will push to break down internal and external silos like never before.

• DIY—Gen Z is the do-it-yourself generation. Its fierce, independent nature will collide head-on with so many of the collaborative cultures that Millennials have fought for.

• Driven—With parents who drilled into them that there are winners and there are losers, this demographic is one motivated group. Seventy-two percent of Gen Zers say they are competitive with people doing the same job.

Based on the first national studies of Gen Z’s workplace attitudes; interviews with hundreds of CEOs, celebrities, and thought leaders on generational issues; cutting-edge case studies; and insights from Gen Zers themselves, Gen Z @ Work is the first serious, comprehensive examination of what the next generation of workers looks like, and what that means for the rest of us.

Fascinating insight into the collective conscious of Gen Z. This generation will rewrite the rules of the workplace and transform the future of business. - Blake Mycoskie, Chief Shoe Giver at TOMS and bestselling author of Start Something That Matters

Move over Millennials, Gen Z is here. David and Jonah give a fun and informative introduction. This is a must-read for anyone looking to recruit, manage, and retain the best and brightest new workers. - Andrew Yang, CEO and founder of Venture for America, author of Smart People Should Build Things

David and Jonah understand the strength of the future. CEOs would be wise to pay attention to the opportunities presented by harnessing Gen Z’s power. Gen Z is agile, engaged, and empowered. Gen Z @ Work is a timely, fascinating read. - Richard Davis, chairman and former CEO of U.S. Bancorp