How Do You Engage Generation Z in the Corporate?

Generation Z is currently the largest workforce demographic in Kenya. According to a recent report, Gen Z comprises approximately 18.4 million individuals, representing about 33.42% of the population. In contrast, millennials account for about 12.1 million, or 22.05% of the population. Together, millennials and Gen Z make up over 55% of the population, indicating a significant presence of younger workers in the corporate sector.

As Gen Z enters the workforce in substantial numbers, they are reshaping corporate cultures and expectations in Kenya. Their unique perspectives and demands are prompting companies to adapt to their needs, particularly regarding work-life balance, flexibility, and a desire for meaningful work. This generational shift is becoming increasingly important for employers who recognize that they cannot afford to alienate this significant portion of the workforce.   

How about we look into how we can live with them- starting with how to make them feel heard in the office?  The best way to do this would be to understand how they talk:

Preference for In-Person Communication

Despite being digital natives, a significant majority of Gen Z prefer face-to-face communication in the workplace. They value the nuances that come with in-person interactions, such as body language and facial expressions, which are often lost in digital communication. This preference is particularly strong for daily interactions with supervisors, as they seek reassurance and clarity about their roles and contributions.

Informal and Concise Style

Gen Z tends to communicate in an informal and concise manner. They favor quick messages over lengthy emails, often using text messaging as their primary mode of communication. This generation is accustomed to using emojis, GIFs, and other visual elements to convey tone and emotion, making their communication style more casual and relatable.

Digital Communication Tools

While they prefer in-person interactions, Gen Z is also comfortable with digital communication tools. They utilize platforms like Slack, Zoom, and other messaging apps for quick exchanges. However, they often find it challenging to convey certain tones or expectations through these digital mediums, which can lead to misunderstandings.

Need for Regular Feedback

Gen Z employees thrive on regular feedback and communication. They appreciate open and honest discussions about their performance and expect their supervisors to provide consistent updates. This need for feedback stems from their experiences in educational settings, where they received frequent guidance from teachers and peers.

Adaptability to Context

Gen Z understands that different situations may require different communication methods. For instance, while they prefer in-person discussions for general communication, they may opt for text or instant messaging for more sensitive topics. This adaptability highlights their awareness of the context in which they communicate.

In wrapping up this exploration of Generation Z in the Kenyan workforce, I can’t help but think of them as the vibrant new kids on the corporate block—armed with smartphones, a penchant for memes, and a refreshing honesty that can make even the most seasoned professionals squirm. Having interacted with them, I’ve learned that if you want to get through to Gen Z, you better be ready to ditch the jargon and embrace a little vulnerability. They thrive on authenticity and directness, so if you’re still sending lengthy emails, it might be time to switch to a quick chat or a meme-filled message.

So, let’s welcome this generation with open arms and a willingness to adapt. After all, if we can learn to appreciate their unique communication style—where a well-placed emoji can say more than a thousand words—we’ll not only make them feel heard but also enrich our own workplace culture. In the end, it’s not just about bridging the generational gap; it’s about creating a vibrant tapestry of ideas, perspectives, and yes, a few good laughs along the way. So, let’s get talking—face-to-face, emoji-to-emoji, and everything in between.

It’s giving. Isnt it?