Zoomers: Рain or Luck for the Employer?

Generation Z, also known as “Zoomers,” refers to individuals born between the mid-1990s and 2010. They are characterized by their distinctive appearance and eccentric behavior, which older generations often find challenging to understand. Many Zoomers are now adults, actively seeking employment or already part of the workforce.

How to understand the Zoomers?

GetTransfer.com employs many individuals from Generation Z, who feel comfortable in the company due to its adaptability to their needs.

However, working with Zoomers is still a challenge for many companies. Senior colleagues appreciate their familiarity with new technologies and creativity but find collaborating with younger employees difficult. Meanwhile, Generation Z often criticizes outdated rules and practices, considering senior staff out of touch.

Many Zoomers are highly talented, and companies need fresh talent. So why are some employers hesitant to hire them? Several reasons contribute to this reluctance.

Finding a job

The employer’s opinion: Young people are unlikely to respond to a job vacancy unless the salary and working conditions are clearly outlined.

Zoomer’s opinion: We value our time. We are young, and many of us lack financial support. Our generation doesn’t want to waste time and money on a trip when we don’t even know if the salary will cover the rent for a room. We don’t want to spend the last of our money on the tube for an obscure job vacancy.

Company rules 

The employer’s opinion: Zoomers often resist adhering to traditional dress codes, preferring to come to the office in torn jeans and with unconventional hairstyles, such as green hair.

Zoomer’s opinion: If we don’t work for the government or a law firm and simply sit in an office where only our colleagues see us, why should we spend the entire day in uncomfortable clothes?

Workflow

Employer’s opinion: Young people frequently question, “Why do this?” even when given clear tasks.

Zoomers’ opinion: We ask many questions because we want to understand the end result. We dislike doing tasks without a clear purpose. As young specialists, we need to master our profession and comprehend the essence of the processes involved.

Work schedule

Employer’s opinion: Zoomers dislike adhering to fixed schedules and frequently inquire about the possibility of remote work.

Zoomers’ opinion: We see no point in sitting idle at work when there are no tasks to complete; instead, we prefer to engage in something productive. We know how to manage our own time effectively. Additionally, we don’t want to waste time and money commuting when the work can just as easily be done from home.

Criticism

Employer’s opinion: Colleagues understand that these are young professionals who still don’t know much and make mistakes, but Zoomers tend to get offended when it’s pointed out to them.

Zoomers’ opinion: We know that we can make mistakes, but we want help to fix them and guidance on how to avoid repeating them. Colleagues often criticize us quite harshly, which we perceive not as help but as an insult. We do not tolerate rudeness or raised voices.

Focus on tasks

Employer’s opinion: Young people have difficulty focusing on something for a long time and concentrating on one task. They have a short attention span, as this is the generation of TikTok and memes.

Zoomers’ opinion: Monotonous tasks seem boring to most of us because there are so many interesting things around! However, we can quickly switch between tasks and handle a large amount of information.

Out-of-hours 

Employer’s opinion: They refuse to stay after the workday ends or work on weekends if necessary, even though all other colleagues are willing to do so.

Zoomer’s opinion: You have old, unspoken corporate rules that were established without my approval. If colleagues are used to working in their free time, that’s their choice. We value our free time, personal life, and health.

What to do?

GetTransfer.com has many employees from different countries, and most of them are Zoomers. HR specialists at GetTransfer.com are willing to share their observations and recommendations on working with Generation Z:

“A unique feature of an international company is remote work, which is the most convenient format for most Zoomers. They are mobile and enjoy traveling. Zoomers have no issues with technology, machines, or software. They can work from anywhere with an internet connection. The most important thing is to set clear goals and deadlines for achieving them.”

You can help Zoomers feel more comfortable by adapting to them a little:

• Consider allowing some of their work to be done remotely, if their position permits. A hybrid format is common. In a familiar environment, their productivity may even increase. Comfort is very important to them.
• Think about whether a dress code is truly necessary. Zoomers need to express themselves. Some companies designate Friday as a “free day” when employees can wear clothes they like.
• Be very careful when offering criticism. If they’ve made a mistake, there’s no need to raise your voice. It’s better to say, “I would do it like this,” and show them how to do it correctly.
• Clearly explain the objectives of each task and show them the end result once it is completed. These are young professionals, and it’s important for them to understand the essence of the processes and what they can add to their portfolio.
• Listen to young people’s opinions on the existing work patterns in the company. Zoomers have a fresh perspective and can offer valuable insights on how to optimize outdated business processes.
• Eliminate unnecessary processes and bureaucracy. Zoomers don’t like paperwork and pointless formalities. Use electronic document management systems and HR software to make everything quicker and simpler. They don’t understand why they need to sign off on every small task and prefer to avoid unnecessary procedures and rules.

Conclusion

If employers want Zoomers to work for them, they need to be prepared to create special conditions for them. It won’t be difficult, but young people will feel more comfortable.

Many Zoomers want to be good specialists, and they are. They have interesting ideas and can help take the company to a new level. The key is to try to understand them and meet the needs of Generation Z.