The podcasts of EGADE Business School and the School of Business of Tecnológico de Monterrey are available on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube Music.

By SOFÍA VALVERDE ZAMORA | EGADE BUSINESS SCHOOL

Born between 1996 and 2012, this emerging group already represents a quarter of the global workforce and brings new expectations about the ideal work environment.

In episode 180 of Business Territory, titled "The Ideal Job: Attracting Generation Z Talent," Eduardo Aguiñaga, co-host of the podcast and national director of Full-Time Programs at EGADE Business School, explored this topic with guests Juan Carlos Rivera, professor in the Department of Strategy and Leadership at EGADE Business School, and Olivia Segura, Human Capital Consulting partner at KPMG México.

Rivera stated that Generation Z has a different relationship with technology and their job in general. Unlike previous generations, centennials expect work environments to adapt to their familiarity with technology and digital lifestyle. 

"Zoomers are digital natives; they feel at ease in technological environments and expect their jobs to adapt to this familiarity," the academic explained.

In addition to digital fluency, they seek environments that offer them flexibility and the option to work remotely or with a four-day workweek.

"Flexible work and inclusion are not just benefits for them; they are expectations," Rivera added, highlighting how these demands can challenge companies with more rigid work structures.

Segura observed that Generation Z adds excellent value to a corporate culture aligned with their principles and a sense of belonging. 

"We conducted a study at KPMG where we discovered that 64% of survey respondents from this generation expect the company's culture to support their lifestyle," the expert commented. 

This includes a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and an interest in environmental and social impact issues. 

In turn, centennials demand constant, instant feedback influenced by the immediacy of social networks.

"For them, annual reviews aren't enough; they are used to receiving constant feedback and expect the same at work," Segura affirmed.

Rivera also highlighted the qualities this generation contributes to organizations, such as adaptability and resilience in a changing environment. 

"After the pandemic, this generation has displayed a huge capacity for adapting to constant changes and taking risks in an uncertain environment," he commented.

He also explained that they are highly committed to sustainability and expect the companies that employ them to reflect the same commitment to the environment.

Integrating up to five generations in the same workspace implies both challenges and opportunities. For Rivera, achieving a harmonious and productive coexistence depends on organizations' ability to adapt to their collaborators' diverse expectations.

"Fostering mutual respect and collaboration between generations can enrich work teams and strengthen organizational culture," he concluded, recalling that these adjustments not only help to retain the Generation Z talent but also benefit the entire organization.

Business Territory is available on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube Music.