Page 11 - Seniorstoday February 2024 Issue
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gratification. However, they face the              and the constant need to climb the ladder
         challenge of lacking role models who can           of “economic” success. Over 40 % of
         guide them in this new era dominated by            those surveyed expressed the need for
         rapidly evolving technology and escalating         recreational activities such as music or
         humanitarian, socio-economic crises.               sports, while approximately 30%, across
         Especially as the older generations have           both sexes, acknowledged emotional
         a comparatively more status quo-ist, tech          expression including weeping, as coping
         un-savvy and risk-averse mindset.                  mechanisms.
                                                             In the workplace, Gen Z seeks
         Diverse Societal Values and Perspectives           environments that align with their values:
         Gen Z stands out as the most ethnically            ethical practices, empathy and inclusivity,
         diverse generation, reflecting a true              They were inclined to work in companies
         amalgam of varied Indian cultures. This            that provided mental health support. A
         diversity has heightened their awareness           striking 61% indicated they would accept
         of societal inequalities, driving them             lower pay for an equitable work culture
         towards social justice, environmental              that valued collaboration, dialogue and
         activism, and inclusivity. Contrary to the         inclusivity.
         perception of self-absorption commonly
         attributed to youth, our findings show that        Redefining Success and Workplace
         Gen Z is deeply empathetic and committed           Dynamics
         to sustainable practices and collectively          This generation redefines success,
         resolving global issues.                           emphasizing travel, art, and experiential
          Their approach is to build a conscious            living over material acquisitions. They are
         community committed to ensuring a                  willing to forego traditional employment if
         sustainable planet. They also believe in           it conflicts with their values, underscoring
         the importance of dialogue in resolving            their commitment to ethical conduct and
         conflicts. They value individual expression        continuous learning.
         and are open to diverse viewpoints.
         Interestingly, they view happiness not             Implications for the Future
         just as an emotion but as a skill that can be      The insights from this survey offer a new
         cultivated.                                        framework for engaging with Gen Z. Their
          Navigating Stress and Embracing                   entry into the workforce signals a pivotal
         Community                                          moment for organisations to adapt and
          Faced with unique challenges like AI-             evolve, ensuring that the aspirations and
         driven job markets and environmental               values of this dynamic generation are not
         crises, Gen Z’s approach to stress is              just understood but integrated into our
         markedly different from previous                   collective future. Their idealism, pursuit of
         generations. They place significant                purpose, and emphasis on values beyond
         importance on work-life balance,                   wealth creation necessitate a reevaluation
         preferring experiential richness over              of societal norms and attitudes. I think it is
         materialistic gains. A large number of             important to recognise Gen Z’s as the brave
         them felt the need to move away from the           young non-conformists poised to bring
         poisonous climate of immense competition           transformative changes to the world.


        SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #56 | FEBRUARY 2024                                                           11
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