Gen Z Is The Future: 5 Things to Think About

Generation Z makes up a quarter of the world’s people, with over $7 trillion to spend. They will soon be 27% of the global workforce¹. This digital native group is changing how we shop, work, and live. Businesses that get Gen Z will thrive in the future.

Research shows Gen Z wants things now, values access over owning, and seeks realness. They also like to work together. Brands must adapt to these changes to connect with Gen Z.

Key Takeaways

Generation Z represents 25% of the world’s population and holds $7 trillion in purchasing influence¹.
By 2025, Gen Z will make up 27% of the global workforce¹.
Gen Z prioritizes meaningful work, financial stability, and family/relationships over wealth and status².
Gen Z seeks authenticity, individual freedom, and a collective mindset in their interactions with brands and organizations.
Understanding the evolving needs and values of Gen Z is crucial for businesses to remain relevant and successful in the future.

Understanding the Instant Generation

Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, grew up in a world of instant access. They are digital natives who never had to wait for downloads or connections³. For them, “instant” is the only standard they accept. They expect a seamless, frictionless experience 24/7³.

Businesses must meet their needs quickly and be relevant. Closing for lunch or having limited hours is unacceptable to Gen Z. They will find ways to get what they want³. They value authenticity and transparency, and support brands that stand up for social issues³.

“Gen Z values creating spaces for authentic expression, with 43% believing they can make a difference through their voices online and in social media.”³

Gen Z’s expectations and their seamless experience with digital natives are changing the customer journey and access economy. Businesses that don’t adapt to this instant generation and their unique needs will be left behind.

The Rise of the Access Economy

The world is changing, and so is how we think about owning things. Younger people, especially Gen Z, are moving towards the access economy⁴. In the U.S., fewer young adults are buying homes, and those who do own cars are keeping them for less time⁴.

Gen Z prefers access over owning things themselves⁴. They’re choosing streaming over buying movies and music⁴. Clothing rental services are becoming popular, and the subscription market is expected to grow to $473 billion by 2025⁴.

“The shift towards rentership can widen racial wealth gaps, as communities of color are disproportionately relegated to rental living.”⁴

The access economy brings convenience but also raises questions⁴. It might make people move more, which could lower community involvement⁴. Yet, it could also lead to more sustainable living and a focus on experiences over stuff⁴.

The access economy is changing how we buy and use things⁴. Businesses that adapt to this trend will likely do well⁴.

Embracing Authenticity and Freedom

Generation Z, born between 1995-2012, is 74 million strong in the US⁵. They look for new freedoms, different from past generations’ struggles. Growing up in a digital world, they believe anything is possible. They want to be themselves, not follow a set path.

Gen Z values living where they want, making money through their own businesses, and changing their lives often⁵. Brands that offer these freedoms will attract them⁵.

“Gen-Z individuals are motivated by ethics, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. They have grown up scrutinizing corporate gestures for authenticity and ethical practices.”⁶

Autistic thinkers like Reuben Selby and Sophie Baverstock bring new ideas to the table⁶. They want jobs that accept them fully, showing the need for authenticity at work⁶.

85% of Gen Z believes their future is shaped by their choices⁵. They’re embracing authenticity and freedom to create their own paths. Whether through starting businesses, working remotely, or challenging old ways, they’re making their mark. Brands that share these values will connect deeply with this generation.

Gen Z Is The Future: 5 Things to Think About

Gen Z is ready to change the world of consumers and the workforce. They focus more on the group than on themselves, unlike millennials⁷. By 15, they’ve built a huge social network worldwide, making their voices heard just as much as big companies⁷.

Gen Z believes their opinions are just as important as anyone else’s, thanks to YouTube and other platforms⁷. Brands need to listen and talk to them, as they will soon be the biggest buyers in the US and Europe⁷.

“Gen Z is more focused on the collective ‘we’ rather than the individual ‘me.'”

Gen Z is known as digital natives and is very practical, always looking for answers⁸. They want to work for companies that make a difference, valuing teamwork and shared leadership⁸. They also value honesty, expecting companies to act as they speak⁸.

As the next big part of the workforce, Gen Z will soon be a major force in jobs⁸. By 2024, they will outnumber Baby Boomers in full-time jobs⁸. Companies need to meet their needs, like focusing on mental health and work-life balance⁸.

The Importance of Community

Feeling connected with others is key to wellbeing, especially for Gen Z. Yet, many young people feel lonely and lack close friends, even at work. Employers can help by building cultures that support relationships and teamwork. This can help Gen Z feel more connected and part of a community.

The community around a brand affects how Gen Z feels about it. In fact, Brands that create a strong community can earn trust and loyalty from Gen Z.

“Only 7% of Gen Z prioritize being in a lasting community, making it the least selected life goal in the list provided.”

Even though Gen Z may not focus on community as much, they still crave real social connections. Employers and brands should aim to create opportunities for face-to-face interactions. This way, Gen Z can build meaningful relationships and feel a sense of belonging.

Navigating Identity and Morality

Generation Z’s identity is growing, and being true to oneself is key. Yet, the journey of self-discovery can be tough. More Gen Z young adults (62%) feel they can’t fully be themselves compared to Gen Z teens (34%). Female Gen Z young adults are especially likely to feel this way⁹.

Gen Z thinks what’s right can change with society. They value their own beliefs over fixed truths. This shows their openness to different views and facts. They want to include everyone in deciding what’s right⁹.

“73% of Gen Z believes that self-expression is crucial for a happy life, highlighting their focus on expressing individual identities through consumption choices.”

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Gen Z is changing how we see ourselves and what’s right. They push for being real and questioning old values. Their views will likely change how we think about identity and morality⁹.

Faith and Spirituality in Gen Z

Many Gen Z individuals still practice their faith, even with different beliefs. Almost two-thirds (64%) pray to God every week. Yet, only 37% regularly read the Bible, and 36% attend church¹⁰. This shows Gen Z might explore spiritual traditions, even without a specific religion¹⁰. It’s crucial for the Church to understand and disciple this generation.

Gen Z is the least religious, with 34% not identifying with any religion. This is a big drop from baby boomers and the silent generation¹¹. Only 40% of Gen Z went to church weekly as kids, down from 57% of baby boomers¹¹. The Church must adapt to connect with Gen Z.

Gen Z may not be openly religious, but they seek spiritual fulfillment and purpose. Many feel overwhelmed by today’s chaos and question life’s meaning¹². The Church can offer relatable guidance on faith, spirituality, and personal growth¹².

“Gen Z is wired to question if faith can improve their lives. The approach to answering Gen Z’s questions should be practical and based on personal experiences.”

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The Church can help Gen Z find purpose and belonging by understanding their unique needs. Adapting to the changing religious landscape is key for the Church to stay relevant and impactful.

Financial Concerns and Aspirations

Money worries are a big stress for Generation Z. Almost 40% say money issues are a major stress¹³. Many Gen Zs can’t leave their parents’ homes because of money problems. They worry about inflation affecting their future home buying¹³.

Learning about money, through school and work, can help them. It can aid in reaching their financial goals.

Despite worries, 51% fear money problems will block their dreams¹³. Yet, 35% are already starting businesses¹⁴. Only 21% want to take out student loans¹⁴. Many are looking into financial planning to secure their future¹⁴.

¹⁵. And 37% say their money situation has gotten better since 2020¹⁵. But, 57% don’t know how much is in their savings¹³.

“We’re a generation that’s very entrepreneurial, very technology-savvy, and very focused on finding meaningful work,” says a Gen Z financial expert. “But we also face significant financial hurdles, from student debt to the rising cost of living. Developing our financial acumen is crucial to achieving our aspirations.”

Gen Z’s resilience and adaptability will help them face money worries. They aim to achieve big goals like owning a home and building wealth¹³¹⁴¹⁵.

Building Resilience and Optimism

Generation Z faces many challenges, but they are optimistic about their future. Many Gen Zers are stressed but also reflect on their priorities and goals¹⁶. This shows their resilience and determination to make a better tomorrow.

Support from employers, family, and friends is key for Gen Z’s resilience and optimism. They help Gen Zers find purpose and happiness, empowering them to face challenges positively¹⁶. As they embrace their authenticity and seek freedom, Gen Zers are ready to redefine success on their terms.

“82% of Gen Zers believe they will achieve their goals despite struggling with mental health, and 76% think they have a great future ahead of them.”¹⁷

Gen Z focuses on wellbeing and tackles stress and challenges head-on. This shows their resilience and self-awareness for personal growth. By supporting these qualities, we can help Gen Z achieve success and a brighter future for everyone.

As Gen Z deals with the modern world’s complexities, their resilience and optimism are crucial. By supporting their wellbeing and encouraging self-reflection, we empower them to thrive. This will lead to a more resilient and optimistic future¹⁶¹⁷.

Conclusion

Gen Z is the future workforce and the main consumer group. They have the power to change the world in big ways. This generation, known as digital natives, is ready to change business and society¹⁸¹⁹.

Businesses that get Gen Z will do well in the long run. They need to meet their need for quick results, freedom, and realness. This way, brands can make strong connections and be seen as reliable partners¹⁸¹⁹.

As Gen Z faces growing up, it’s key to help them stay strong, happy, and find their purpose. They need to tackle issues like inequality, climate change, and injustice. This way, they can make a lasting impact on the world¹⁹.