Post-millennials, born after the year 1996 are digital natives. Still growing in the Information Age, the Generation Z already has the confidence that they have the technological skills employers need, according to the research involving 730 Filipino students.
Despite the negative connotation among Filipino youths; having the majority of their time spent online, they still value human interaction in the workplace and seek one that is responsible socially and environmentally.
By 2020, Generation Z could represent 20 per cent of the workforce.
Dell Technologies surveyed high school and college students, ages 16-23 years old from around the globe, regarding the views they have for technology and future careers. In the recent global study entitled, Gen Z: The Future Has Arrived, Philippines among the other five Southeast Asian countries; Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia, ranked the highest in almost all the categories. Including a perfect 100 per cent of the young Filipino respondents have used technology as part of their formal education.
Dell EMC, South Asia & Korea, Commercial Business Senior Vice President Pang Yee Beng says, “Understanding the skills that this generation possesses can open up new opportunities for businesses. And especially if those skills can be successfully democratised across the workforce, narrowing the digital divide amongst employees and strengthening technological capabilities overall.”
It’s more than just the money for the Filipino youth.
84 per cent of them believe that averting bias and discrimination will make technology and automation create a better and equitable work environment for every employee. This manifests that diversity and equality are of importance to them. Furthermore, 60 percent want to contribute and help the society or the environment with the use of technology.
Collaboration is key to every business. Gen Z Filipinos definitely understand that concept. In reality, 74 percent favor working with a team more than doing work independently. In the digital era and the age of social media, it might come as a surprise to earlier generations, but 77 percent of them actually prefer learning from co-workers on the job rather than online.
“While digital transformation journey in the country is unique for every business, this survey shows that Filipino youth are ready to be part and shape that journey,” says Country General Manager Ronnie Latinazo of Dell EMC Philippines.
Although the confidence of Gen Z-ers about their technological skills does not necessarily equate to readiness in the workforce. In fact, 96 percent of the respondents say they are worried about employability with 60 percent stating their lack of working experience is the reason.
“What is surprising is the level of digital maturity they are bringing to the workplace,” says Mr Pang. “Yet we haven’t raised a generation of robots. Gen Z sees technology not only as a tool for enabling human progress, but also as a means for levelling the information empowerment playing field. Their combination of vision and optimism is remarkable.”
For Generation Z Filipinos who dread that they are not being taken seriously in the professional world, Mr. Pang gently reminds us to “Convince your bosses and your peers with action because action speaks louder than words.”
Every generation has all been there. Even the older generations were once young and inexperienced too. There is a common notion about age; “The older you are, the more knowledge you have.” But with the presence of technology, Gen Zs will change your mind.
