The vision of Gen Z on the labour market

Imagine this: you’re young, ambitious, and at the start of your career. Currently, most of the labour market consists of Millennials and Generation X. How do you deal with the prejudices about your generation and the thinking and working methods of other generations? To explore this, we spoke with Valerie van Arkel, a young professional currently the only Generation Z representative within G-Nius.

Valerie started at G-Nius as an intern in 2022 and is now a permanent part of our team. She belongs to Generation Z, a generation known for their fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. But what is it like to work as a young professional with colleagues from different generations? Valerie shares her experiences as a Gen Z’er in the multi-generational workforce.

Do you feel like a true Gen Z’er in the workplace?

A stereotypical image of Generation Z is wanting to do little work for a lot of money. I can say that, as the only one working 40 hours in the office at G-Nius, I don’t fit this stereotype.

However, being highly engaged with social media and being greatly influenced by it does apply.

Having a better work-life balance and wanting to work from home are traits often attributed to Generation Z. Is this something you also find important?

I find that working from home makes the job less enjoyable. As a Recruiter, I work closely with the marketing department and Business Managers, so I prefer to walk directly to someone for faster and better answers rather than spending the whole day on the phone.

I also don’t feel that G-Nius hinders me from having a good work-life balance. It’s not like I must work extra hours to meet my targets.

Regarding ‘always looking for the next best thing,’ I am supported in this too. If I indicate that I want to learn something and I can substantiate it with a plan, a lot is possible. G-Nius offers me the responsibility and freedom for my own growth.

You are currently the only Gen Z’er at G-Nius. How do you experience that?

I don’t see it as a hindrance that I’m a Gen Z’er. I do bring a new perspective, but I don’t feel treated differently than others.

Are there advantages to working with different generations?

Yes, I think so. I’m the ‘youngster,’ and other generations have more experience in both the profession and life.

People from my generation can quickly say, “Okay, let’s take action now!” But older generations can take a step back and say, “Think about what you’re saying” and “Make a conscious choice.” They help me a lot with that, and we only strengthen each other in this way.

And just as I learn from Gijs-Jan (founder) about traditional practices, I teach him about new developments in the field. But it would help if you were open to learning from others’ viewpoints.

Sometimes, when I introduce a new idea (like AI), I notice puzzled looks as if they don’t understand what I’m talking about. But once I explain, they often see the benefits.

Are there disadvantages to working with different generations?

I don’t see any disadvantages. On the contrary, I think working with only the same generation could bring disadvantages.

If you only work with Generation Z, you miss out on seniority, work experience, and life experience, and you have many similar types of people in the workplace.

What are the biggest differences between your way of working and that of your colleagues? Or do you see that there are no real differences?

I mainly see that my use of AI tools is much higher than my colleagues’. This is because I find it interesting to use them and because I was trained use them.

I think using tools to make work more efficient happens more with me than with the rest.

Beyond that, I think the differences are not necessarily attributable to Generation Z but more to individual characteristics.

There are quite a few prejudices about Gen Z. Do they match your experience, or do you see it differently?

I can confirm some parts and see others differently.

On social media, the image is created that Gen Z wants to work very little and earn a lot of money. Honestly, who wouldn’t want that?

I think my generation is mainly focused on ‘how can I earn my money faster and more efficiently and have more time for fun things.’

Fortunately, I am well-placed with my 40-hour workweek at G-Nius. It’s not that I think I should work less because I don’t have time for fun. This also has to do with G-Nius as an employer.

Regarding sustainability, diversity, and inclusivity, which my generation values, I do have an opinion, but it doesn’t affect my daily life.

I’ve also heard that Gen Z doesn’t take responsibility. I absolutely disagree with that. It’s purely personal because it depends on environmental factors such as upbringing and environment.

For your role, you often interact with clients and professionals. Do you feel they treat you differently than older colleagues?

Sometimes when I’m with a client, they start complaining and making generalizations about Gen Z. Then they look at me and ask, “How old are you?”

I understand why they might think that way. But then I become the spokesperson to explain that it’s something you must get used to, or you won’t attract this generation anymore.

So, I notice the topic comes up, but treated differently? No, I don’t think so.

What is your advice for Generation X and Millennials to work better with Gen Z?

Put aside the prejudices. Not every Gen Z’er is as stereotyped. Of course, we all have traits and things that show we’re a different generation.

But it’s not like we’re all the type described on social media, for example.

There are more exceptions than stereotypes. And if you can put that aside, it’s much easier to have conversations with this generation.

See it as new ideas and not as being obstructive. Gen Z doesn’t want to throw a wrench in the works. We’re a generation with much more access to the internet. This allows us to know more perspectives than previous generations. With more influences from the outside, we can look at situations differently.

Do you have tips for Generation Z entering the labour market?

Don’t enter the labour market too confidently. When you graduate, you still know very little. It’s like a driver’s license; you only really learn to drive with experience. Of course, you gain work experience through internships, but you don’t know the whole world yet.

It’s not about the job title you get. It’s not about whether it says junior or senior. It’s about contributing to the organization.

If you look at the characteristics of Gen Z wanting to develop themselves further, focus on that instead of wanting an ‘important’ job title and aiming for 3.5 thousand Euros for 32 hours. Stay realistic.

And older generations mean well. Sometimes, you come up with a plan or idea, and you see them thinking, “What should we do with that?” But it’s not that they don’t want to hear your idea; it’s because it’s new, and that’s why they react that way.