4 Surprising Facts About Gen Z (and Becoming a Politician is Not One of Them)

Millennials, move over. Gen Z is making its way in.

Gen Z comprises nearly 33% of the world’s population or 4.6 billion, just eclipsing the 4.23 billion millennials.

They are our sons, daughters, relatives and neighbors… and the employees corporates are looking to hire.

If you’re an HR leader or CEO, listen up. A new study issued by the nonprofit educational organization Girls With Impact finds that social purpose and innovation are key to attracting this next generation.

The new report -- What’s inside the minds of Gen Z? made possible the S&P Global Foundation – offers a host of insights and recommendations for #employers and #educators. Here are four key insights:

World change -- Faced with worrisome national and global challenges, Gen Z – those born between the early 1990s and mid-2000 – are beating a loud drum: social change matters but becoming a politician won’t be their path.

Nearly two-thirds (65%) say they want to “make difference to a cause they care about” and 60% wants to “personally create something innovative.” Just 4% said  becoming a politician” was how they wanted to make an impact.

Indeed, It’s no longer about just getting a paycheck. Gen Z is hungry for purpose in the #workplace – the sense that they are having a larger impact on the world -- even if they’re employed by someone else”

Action: That means companies need to create a sense of the greater good in their everyday work – or risk losing these employees. And think beyond just annual giving drives.

Looking for stability – Perhaps because of an economy that has left many college grads unemployed, this generation is seeking financial stability.

Nearly one-quarter said their single greatest concern was getting a job, ahead of getting into #college, grades or relationships.

Nearly one in 10 want a regular paycheck and 84% are seeking a stable job. But still, 87% want to follow their passion.

Action: If hiring young people, offer career pathing and highlight millennial success stories. Incorporate opportunities to participate in senior-level employees and/or help drive new purposeful innovation efforts.

Mental health a top concern -- More worrisome is that mental health ranked third among Gen Z’s top worries, ahead of body image, grades, or getting into college.

And mental health (along with the environment) appeared more prominent among women and non-confirming gender populations than men. Even through our mini-MBA, teen girls are developing ventures to combat many of these issues – stress, depressions, teen suicide.

As Fernando Salinas, head of HR of Johnson & Johnson’s commercial business and a member of Girls With Impact's Advisory Board told us, “We offer a mental health app accessible not only to employees but their family members. This digital access is key.” If looking to boost diversity efforts, consider ways to incorporate opportunities to impact the environment and/or boost their overall #confidence.

Being their own boss – Despite wanting financial security, Gen Z embraces #entrepreneurship. Unlike generations of the past, they have a host of new tools at their fingertips, enabling to become their own boss early on.

Not only do 60% want to create something innovative, but nearly 30% surveyed said “launching their own business or product” was a move most likely to boost their confidence.

Harness Gen Z’s desire for #innovation through corporate “intrapreneurship.” Seek ways to reward them for turning their ideas into impact on the job.

It’s clear that with new forces at play – coupled with a growing #gig economy – #educators, parents and employers need to think differently about Gen Z.

It’s time to act. Let’s together equip Gen Z to drive innovation and world change for the betterment of all.

To download the full report, sponsored by the S&P Global Foundation, visit girlswithimpact/GenZ. Or consider enrolling a girl -- or your employees.

Girls With Impact is the nation’s only live online entrepreneurship program for teen girls, offered year-round. The 10-week, after-school “mini-MBA” moves girls from ideation to a business plan, driving improvements in confidence, leadership, college readiness and professional skills for success. Watch this.

#millennials #genZ #talent #diversity #entrepreneurship #workplace #leadership #collegeprep #socialimpact #mentalhealth #employeebenefit #CSR #HR