Working with Gen Z in Singapore Part 1 - "Strawberry Generation": No Cap or No?

This series of XX (haven't decided how many) articles was inspired by a number of conversations I've had over the past 2 weeks; with people with varying levels of seniority - from individual contributor level working with Gen Z in as part of a team in functional roles, to management in their 40s. The topic came up in natural conversations somehow or rather, and after I chipped in with my own thoughts, someone said "hey, one day we should chat more about this so you can guide us more". I have no false sense of self-importance on this, but it seems there is a demand for such things, so here I am!

Some context: Demographics-wise, I am a millenial. This means I straddle two generations very nicely, being in between the Gen Xers and Boomer generation, and the Gen Zs. I was around at the time where pagers, payphones, and dial-up modems were new, but also because of the nature of my work and associates, I also understand trends in Tiktok and Lemon8, K-pop, and the like.

I am also privy to a continuous exchange of information and conversations to both ends demographics; As both a financial planning professional as well as an executive manager leading a team, I get the privilege of working in two realms: advisory, where my financial planning clients typically fall between the ages of 30 and 60, and management, where a number of my associates are members of Gen Z, aged 21 to 30. Further to this, I have been and continue to be very actively involved in organising student internships, student mentorships and engagements across a host of varsity groups, and I regularly have one-on-one direct conversations and coaching interactions. Being sandwiched in between has allowed me to gain valuable insights into the habits, attitudes, and aspirations of both demographics.

I won't bother going too much into what the "Gen Z problem" is, but to encapsulate with a quote that came up in one of the conversations - "Nowadays these Gen Z, you ask them to do work ah, they will tell you 'sorry, I don't have the bandwidth for this now'. Since when did work become a suggestion and not a responsibility?"

In this first article, I aim to hopefully shed some light into our supposed "strawberry generation" - what distinguishes this generation of Singapore youth is that they are growing up during the Covid-19 pandemic. The greatest issue of our time has confronted them as they make the critical journey into adulthood.

In today's rapidly evolving world, Generation Z is driven by their certain core beliefs, which shape their attitudes towards work and life. Here are a few observations I've made on the people I've engaged with, on characteristics, hopes, dreams, and aspirations that define this generation.

Digital Native, but not Always Human Native...Yet

This probably is an obvious point, but being born into the digital age means that Gen Z possesses a natural affinity for (addiction to?) technology. They effortlessly navigate the digital landscape, utilizing it as a powerful tool for productivity and creativity. Technology is not merely an accessory to their lives; it is an integral part of their identity.

Yet, in the age of social media and instant gratification, Gen Z has grown up in a vastly different environment compared to previous generations. They are the first true digital natives, exposed to a constant stream of information, connectivity, and global perspectives. This has undoubtedly influenced their behavior, sometimes leading to a perception that they lack traditional values and manners. All these, and the pressure to excel/ compare/ keep up can take a toll.

But I am highly encouraged and optimistic.

Certainly, certain facets of character development may have succumbed to the influence of these circumstances. The predominance of online communication has, in certain instances, meant a decline in interpersonal skills nurtured through face-to-face interactions.

Yet, it would be grossly unfair to generalize these behaviors and shortcomings across an entire generation. Gen Z encompasses a diverse array of personalities, values, and upbringings. A multitude of individuals within this cohort diligently strive to proffer positive contributions to society, showcasing praiseworthy qualities such as empathy, activism, and resilience - and I am very privileged to be able to witness the growth and mentor a number of these promising individuals.

Moreover, the cultivation of character stands as an enduring process that cannot be singularly attributed to any one generation. It emerges as a confluence of individual experiences, nurturing, education, and the prevailing societal factors. It becomes essential, within this context, to ponder upon the broad societal and cultural transformations that have shaped the values and behaviors of Gen Z.

Concluding Thoughts for Part I

Rather than fixating on perceived inadequacies, in my experience, fostering constructive dialogue and mentorship with Gen Z has proven to be effective, and I have witnessed a hunger for learning, adaptability to change, and demand for the guidance of mentors to help nurture their strengths and steer them towards responsible and principled conduct. In a sense, my view is that we (the adults in the room) bear the responsibility of cultivating emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and empathy.

In essence, we must approach discussions about the demeanor and character of Gen Z with discernment, recognizing the innate diversity that defines this generation. While areas for improvement may exist, there is still an abundance of commendable qualities possessed by the individuals within this cohort. By acknowledging their strengths and actively investing in their development, we empower Gen Z to navigate the intricate complexities of our world.

What are your own experiences with Gen Z - or if you're a Gen Z yourself, what do you think?