Gen-Z and Remote Working: A New Wave Of Challenges Arise

With new adjustments comes new challenges, and the shift to remote working has taken its toll on many. Especially with the Gen-Z (born between 1997- 2012) who are relatively new in the workforce. It may come as a surprise considering the Gen-Z are most synonymously known to be tech-savvy and digitally inclined. This might be because the younger generation of executives and managers are looking to grow their professional networking circle and the emergence of the new normal has slowed down their progress significantly.

This phenomenon affects their older and more experienced counterparts (mainly the Millennials and Gen Xers) much less so since they have already established a foundation earlier on in their careers. Studies have shown that they are also finding it more comfortable working from home and, on the contrary, actually boost their productivity levels.

Another issue brought up by the younger crowd is that they are facing a stump in career growth as companies are still finding a stable ground to adapt to the new implementations and restrictions. Before, it was much easier to upskill workers with good control of schedules and physical presence. With remote working in place, it is much harder to organize and plan far ahead for the future when it comes to skills upgrading and the likes.

Here are three of the most prominent challenges faced by Gen Z with remote working measures in place  

A Challenge In Productivity

While their seniors find great pleasure in remote working, Gen Z workers responded that there was a negative impact when it comes to productivity. This might be due to the distractions that are readily available to them while working from home. As a generation that is heavily shaped by social media, it is easier for them to side-track from their task and assignments. A lack of proper working space might also be a contributing factor to the loss in productivity as the younger crowd might still live with their immediate families, thus affecting their concentration when working as opposed to having their own working spaces at home.  

A Challenge In Mental Health

Mental health issues are also a huge room for concern for Generation Z. More so during turbulent times like the one we are currently going through. One of the biggest topics that have recently emerged is that of empathy, and while it affects everyone in the workforce, Gen Z is the most vulnerable group.

Being fresh and new to the professional industry, the lack of guidance or mentorship can impose quite a bit of a challenge for them and, in the long run, can have dire consequences to their mental health. Thus the need for senior managers to keep an eye on this factor so as not to affect their career growth.  

A Challenge In Transition

As digital natives, professionals from the Gen Z crowd have no trouble with blended learning and training online. But a lack of face-to-face communication with others might prove to be an unprecedented challenge when it is time to return to the workplace.

As the future of the workforce, this transition in communication must be looked into so that when the time comes, the integration for them can be as seamless as possible for the best-balanced quality of life and work.