Improving business processes with their ability to use technology effectively, Generation Z is transforming the business world with their expectations of flexibility, jobs that align with social and individual values, and continuous feedback. Digitalization and managerial transformation have become increasingly critical in providing work environments that meet the expectations of this generation. It is crucial for companies to adapt to this transformation in order to attract young talent and increase competitiveness. Aposto.biz Co-Founder Gözde Avcıoğlu Avdel drew attention to the role of new generation employees in the business world and emphasized that companies should support this potential.
Generation Z is gaining more and more ground in the business world and is shaping business life in a new direction with their expectations and understanding of work. According to OECD data, there are approximately 2 billion members of Generation Z worldwide and this generation is expected to make up 30 percent of the world’s population and 27 percent of the workforce by the end of 2025. While flexibility, adaptation to technology and the search for meaningful work shape the job preferences of this generation, it also causes companies to reconsider their working models. Hybrid and remote working systems, continuous feedback mechanisms and career development opportunities are among the most important elements of integrating Generation Z into business life. It is also critical for companies to adapt to these expectations in order to attract young talents and increase competitiveness. In this context, in our interview with Aposto.biz Co-Founder Gözde Avcıoğlu Avdel, in which we discussed Generation Z and the transformation of the business world, we talked about the expectations of new generation employees in business life and how companies should adapt to this change.
- While past generations aim to work in an organization for many years and retire from there, Generation Z tends to work on a project basis. From this point of view, how will the business world and Generation Z complement and support each other?
Generation Z attaches great importance to flexible working models and work-life balance. According to Deloitte’s 2023 Generations Y and Z Survey, these generations prefer hybrid or remote working models and tend to quit their jobs when full-time office work is demanded. This situation requires the business world to adopt flexible working models and turn to project-based work. In addition, Generation Z individuals value personal development and meaningful work; therefore, supporting them with coaching and mentoring programs will both increase their job satisfaction and contribute to the productivity of companies.
“It is crucial that they understand the value of experience and set long-term goals”
- What do you think is the biggest misconception of the young generation about the business world?
Generation Z is confident in many areas thanks to their technological savvy and quick access to information. However, they sometimes overlook the importance of experience and long-term strategic thinking in the business world. Expectations of quick results can cause them to struggle with processes that require patience and continuous learning. Therefore, it is crucial for young professionals to understand the value of experience and set long-term goals.
“The rate of those who prefer flexible working hours and remote working reached 75 percent”
- What are the most significant differences in the new generation’s perspective on the business world from previous generations?
Generation Z approaches the business world from a different perspective than previous generations. This generation has grown up intertwined with technology, has high digital skills and an innovative mindset. Growing up in the digital world, this generation is accustomed to accessing instant information and demands instant feedback and transparency in business life. According to Gallup’s 2021 survey, 60 percent of Generation Z expects regular feedback and a more open communication environment in companies. In addition, the importance they attach to the environmental and sustainability steps of the companies they work for is increasing. According to Deloitte’s 2023 Global Generation Z Survey, 55 percent of Generation Z take sustainability policies and environmental sensitivity into account when choosing a job. This generation expects to have a meaningful career and for the organizations they work for to make a positive contribution to society. Work-life balance is also a critical factor for Generation Z. The rate of those who prefer flexible working hours and remote working opportunities instead of the traditional 9-5 working schedule has reached 75 percent. This shows that working habits have changed in the wake of the pandemic and that Generation Z wants to work in a structure that is independent, efficient and attaches importance to work-life balance. As a result, Generation Z is tech-savvy, expects fast feedback, is sensitive to environmental and social responsibilities, and is open to flexible working models. It is critical for employers to offer work environments that meet these expectations in order to attract young talents and create a productive workforce.
“Providing suitable environments for Generation Z will increase satisfaction and competitiveness”
- Finally, is there anything you would like to add?
Generation Z presents not only challenges to the business world, but also invaluable opportunities. This generation is highly capable of creativity and innovation and has the potential to develop innovative solutions in the workplace. Their effective use of technology gives them a great advantage in improving business processes and generating new ideas. If companies support these characteristics of Generation Z and provide them with suitable working environments, it will both increase employee satisfaction and increase the competitiveness of companies.
“77 percent of new graduates state that they learned more in the first 6 months of their working life than at university”
- Considering that theoretical knowledge alone is not enough today, do vocational training and internship programs meet the needs of the business world?
In today’s business world, theoretical knowledge alone is not enough; practical experience and hands-on skills are also crucial. According to a survey conducted by Hult International Business School, 77 percent of recent graduates say they learn more in their first six months on the job than in their four years of university studies. In the same survey, 96 percent of human resources leaders believe that universities should take more responsibility for producing more qualified individuals for the business world. This data shows that current vocational training and internship programs do not fully meet the needs of the business world. Getting to know the business environment, making the right choice of workplace and gaining early practical experience enables students to start their careers one step ahead. Individuals who start in this way tend to adapt to business life faster and become more successful. Internship and work projects for students enable young people to start their careers more consciously and help employers discover qualified candidates at an early stage. Similarly, increasing the number of long-term internships and part-time work opportunities in Türkiye can help students get a stronger start in business life. Improving the cooperation between universities and companies and creating more effective internship programs tailored to the needs of the business world offer a great opportunity for the professional development of young people.
Steps companies should take to win the next generation of employees
- What should companies do to recruit new generation employees and ensure that they can adapt to the business world?
Companies can take the following steps to adapt to the expectations of Generation Z;
- Adopting flexible working models: Practices such as remote working and flexible working hours meet the importance that Generation Z places on work-life balance.
- Strengthening technological infrastructure: The effective use of digital tools increases the productivity of this generation and allows them to bring innovative solutions to business processes.
- Providing continuous feedback and transparency: Open communication and regular feedback mechanisms contribute to the development of Generation Z and increase job satisfaction.
- Provide career development opportunities: The professional development of young employees should be supported through coaching and mentoring programs, trainings and career development plans.
