Gen Z shift not about ditching work ethos

We all go through the youthful phase of wanting to do things differently from how our parents and previous generations did. The Bible says, there is nothing new under the sun. Every generation goes through this phase.

The big difference when it comes to Gen Z is the visibility; social media and technology is their stepping stone. However, we cannot overlook the impact this visibility is causing and resultant influence to current systems and structures. There is going to be an impact, if it’s not there already.

The question then is, is this a real paradigm and mental shift or is it a case of history just repeating itself, this time more visibly – with pie-in-the-sky idealism and facade, before reality check in?

I believe every generation has unique skill sets and culture that they carry with them, different from their parents. For Gen Z, they have the advantage of being born and brought up in a vibrant digital age.

This had its desired pros and cons. This should be used to their advantage, and not to make millennials and baby boomers feel archaic.

Comparatively, some Gen Zs have the advantage of having complex and sophisticated tech skills early on in their young lives. I say ‘some’ because there is also quite a number of Gen Zs who have complete access to social media, Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok et al, but are complete novices and greenhorns in blockchain and AI.

They don’t know coding and they don’t know programming and they have never heard these terms.

But they throw the words ‘digital’ and ‘technology’ in our seemingly old faces. Unfortunately, the internet has given most people, not just Gen Zs, Dutch courage.

To those who have the advantage of actual digital knowledge and exposure, they should weigh this with the need to have proper guidance and taught experience.

Let them not be deluded that they have the tech monopoly. We have millennials and baby boomers equally or more articulate and fluent in technology.

In fact, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg are not Gen Zs. Also, maybe if you are outstanding, exceptional and an outlier, you can afford to bend the rules.

It is important to reiterate that there is no shortcut to success. You must put in the effort and hard work.

We have been told by Gen Zs that they do not work under pressure, but sooner or later, they will. Give it time. Diamonds do not form under low pressure.

Ideally, there is something about work that should keep you high pressured; financial stability, progress and freedom. The ethos.

Dear Millennials, raise your younger children (Gen Alpha) with more responsibility and accountability. Let us be intentional as to bring up these young ones with more clarity and purpose. Teach then to focus and have faith in their story.

We must be authors of the desired change. Let us raise a cohort who know they should be bold and free but who also understand that freedom comes with rights and responsibilities.

Let each one know that a teachable spirit, an adaptable mindset, discipline and proper guidance are timeless values. Let’s do our part and then let the chips fall where they may. 

The writer is advocate of the High Court of Kenya and Certified Public Accountant.