Based out of Pune, Maharashtra, Nishant Agarwal is the founder of Proctur, an organization dedicated to providing technologically-backed educational solutions, focusing primarily on mass digitization in education. Nishant holds an International MBA degree from IE Business School (Madrid, Spain) and a B.E in Instrumentation and Control from Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology (New Delhi, India). His core expertise lies in handling Management, Business Strategy, Product Management, Innovation, Digital Marketing, and Analytics. Nishant is a product enthusiast and has more than 16 years of cross-functional experience leading various technology brands in Asia and Europe. He is a serial entrepreneur and has been involved with the founding of various startups.
The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has changed the global economy forever. The tectonic shift towards digitization has forced millennials and previous generations to embrace tech developments as the new “normal”. Things are different for Gen Z. These are young people, who may not remember much about Y2K, but had access to smartphones, laptops, and tech devices from an early age. The sudden dependency on tech doesn’t come off as a shock for this breed of young adults. In the truest sense, technology has been a blessing for Gen Z, who are reaping the positive outcomes of the pandemic.
Smart learning & upskilling
The unemployment rate in India was marked at 5.27% in 2019, which rose sharply to 7.11% in 2020. The pandemic impacted every sector, and there were mass layoffs in many industries. While millennials struggled hard to retain their jobs, Gen Z didn’t waste much time. While these people had to navigate through the shift, especially how the online learning experience changed the conventional idea of classroom education, they also adapted sooner. Young Gen Z people are aware of the uncertainty but also work relentlessly to learn new skills.
With more EdTech advancements and investments, Gen Z will have the flexibility to adjust to the tech shifts in the future. They are aware of the changing demands of various professional roles and are more likely to be in control amidst the ambiguity. A considerable part of the credit must be given to EdTech developments and new-age handheld gadgets. Today, more youngsters are experimenting with developing tech, and they will be ready for further shifts in the future.
Gen Z to benefit from automated & tech-driven business operations
Adopting tech advancements, artificial intelligence, automation, and machine learning is no longer an option for businesses anymore. The aftermath of the pandemic may mean increased dependency on tech, and companies are already spending huge amounts on the digital transformation of operations. While millennials will have to learn many aspects, Gen Z is expected to benefit more. These are young adults who have started their careers just before or during the pandemic, and it would be easier for businesses to hire professionals from Gen Z because they are easier to train.
Youngsters in their early 20s are starting their careers in an uncertain world, but they are likely to deal better with the blows. When it comes to adjusting and learning tech-driven business operations, Gen Z will have the advantage of knowing the emerging tech. As more businesses spend on digital transformation, the hiring process will change. The demand for fresh-out-of-college talents will surge manifold.
The age of social media, gaming, and digital natives
There’s no denying that Gen Z is using social media better than millennials. From platforms like Instagram, SnapChat, TikTok, and YouTube, to other online job opportunities, these digital natives are reaping the advantages of the stay-at-home atmosphere. Even with experts talking of the endemic, the state of affairs is unlikely to return to the before-pandemic era. Since Gen Z knows integrated tech and social media better than Gen X, they have an edge.
Not to forget, Gen Z isn’t just playing games for fun anymore. Youngsters are making massive money from digital tournaments, online marketing, and everything else in the “tele” mode. These may not be trained and experienced professionals, but the new breed of talents is quick to learn and are inclined towards monetary goals.
Ready for the “remote work” experience
Remote processes are now a norm in many sectors, including healthcare, education, e-commerce & retail, and IT. In fact, many professionals are now seeking answers as to why they should go back to offices when everything can be done remotely and online. For select businesses, the “WFH” mode works better as they can save huge on expenses. Cost-effectiveness, increased profit margins, outsmarting the competition, and convenience are key reasons businesses adopt digital transformation. By hiring young minds, companies can expect better use and reliance on digital tools.
A new strain of shifting & dynamic professionals
Because they know the existing and emerging tech, Gen Z can handle various requirements of startups and new companies. For big corporate firms, hiring Gen Z professionals would mean having shape-shifting and versatile people in their approach to a role. It is much easier for the new tech-savvy breed to switch between roles and responsibilities than someone who is used to a certain routine after years of work. Not to undermine experience, but Gen Z can definitely adjust better to the dynamics of the new tech-dependent business world. Also, their experience wouldn’t be limited to just one skill. Because of available EdTech resources and their capability to adapt to new challenges, Gen Z wouldn’t be limited in their experience.
Better exposure to emerging tech
Gen Z is in charge of pushing boundaries in emerging technologies. The new breed of professionals is expected to propel further research and work in AI, virtual reality, augmented reality, and deep learning. This generation of young talents has forced companies to rethink their marketing and R&D approach during the pandemic. These professionals are looking for more ways to explore everything in tech development, and they are keen on tracking new information, which can only thrust their careers in definitive but diverse directions.
The future of tech with Gen Z
Studies show that more younger professionals are seeking work-life balance and are motivated beyond the paycheck. They are the ones who are willing to take risks, explore unchartered territories, and are open to trying ideas that would be otherwise labeled “insane”. While Gen Z has definitely gained from the available technology, they also shape tech trends with their demands. Most of the companies in the EdTech sector are relying heavily on surveys that involve young adults because their insights are influenced by the need for functionality and better features.
As we move ahead, Gen Z’s dependency on technology will positively help businesses. Young people want to reduce manual effort and maximize productivity, and these are things that are pushing the envelope a bit further each time.