According to Ashley, Gen Z wants to be disruptive and be part of something that makes a difference in the world.
Gen Z is more hungry than any generation before to disrupt the status quo.
Ashley says Gen Z is marked by three different factors.
- Innovation - "They want to work for companies that are at the cutting edge of technology."
- Connection - Gen Z value human connection much more than their millennial counterparts.
- Gen Z value security - "They want you to put your money where your mouth is. They want the salary, they want the pay-check, they want the security through that," Ashley says.
When it comes to technology, while millennials and Gen Z are excited about having the most up-to-date and innovative technology, they have high expectations. If companies want to attract and maintain these generations as customers, they need to ensure the technology is working effectively. And Ashley says the best way to do this could be to integrate a human element for trouble shooting. “For example, if you go to a rental car counter, you can press buttons on a screen to hire a rental car, but they still have a person standing there making sure the tech works.”
According to Ashley, “the data is in - we’re so connected, but we’re somehow disconnected.”
Ashley explains that Gen Z differs from other generations based on its relationship with technology. “Gen Y grew up being hooked on technology, but when you look at Gen Z, they’re valuing the human conversation.” This is part of the reactivity that Gen Z is having to their millennial counterparts. So, while Gen Z values technology, innovation, and disruption, they also value this element of humanity. “Gen Z is more hungry than any generation before to disrupt the status quo.”
