Inês Pereira, Psychologist and Talent Manager at Adentis, for Comunica RH

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Although it may vary slightly, Generation Z is defined by those who, on average, were born between the second half of the 1990s and 2010 roughly. Therefore, people who will be between 13 and 28 years old. When we think about this generation, perhaps the first premises that come to mind are: technology and the internet. The world without digital for these people is unimaginable and this has implications not only in shaping their cognition and perception, translating into the most private and individual spectrum of their lives, but also in the professional one.

In the 2022 BBC Worklife article “ Gen Z: The workers who want it all” defines generation Z – the youngest currently on the market and considering, of course, that many will still be studying – as the “workers who want everything”. But what is this all about? We are talking about salaries, but also about something that was not a paradigm in the past, a “work-life-balance”, greater flexibility, for example in the work model (teleworking regimes, 4-day weeks, etc.), which allows them to , eventually, a better psychological balance, the so-called “not living to work”. Another issue that seems to be raised by this generation, but also by the latest Millennials who precede them and with whom they still share different points of view, are social and environmental issues.

In fact, it refers to the fact that these generations are willing to not prioritize work, and instead look for other means that allow them to subsist, when they do not see their needs met. In this sense, and since this generation is focused and motivated to find the job they idealized, real opportunities to learn and evolve in their career, and even though they value well-being so much, companies invariably have to create adaptation strategies – and in my opinion (if I wasn’t one of those last Millennials) – positive evolution. Companies must promote an environment whose health and culture is flexible and dynamic, above all, have a prominent place, representing the corporation's driving force. An analysis carried out by a professor of Sociology and Science at New York University for the BBC article, tells us that although it may take some time for us to find the real benefits that are expected, this should happen as Millennials, These values ​​are similar to those of Generation Z, they increasingly assume leadership roles and consequently companies under pressure to attract and retain talent find themselves forced to give in to some demands from their workers.

Millennials, like Generation Z, grew up in a globalized and technological world, but in return with serious transversal problems (e.g., a global financial crisis, constant economic and political uncertainty, climate crises, pandemics and wars), and these factors will necessarily forge the consciousness and collective personality. It is a generation that has extremely easy means of communication, endless access to information, highly educated and therefore ambitious and dreamy (which it considers to be a natural consequence) but also and curiously more likely to report mental health problems, even though , due to their awareness and literacy, those who also seek help and treatment the most.

I believe that it is a generation that is willing to work and dedicate themselves, and it is also important that they are people who value communication and open dialogue with the leadership. Is this what you expect?

An ethical and fair character and in this I highlight, greater support and understanding with issues related to mental health and individuality.