‘Microwave generation’: Gen Zs, employers speak on how the workplace is evolving

Gen Z have been referred to as many things – from the microwave generation, to the audacious lot who won’t think twice before taking risks and who have the mentality of failing forward.

When it comes to the employment scene, they are valued and ‘feared’ in equal measure as they get things done fast, using technology. 

However, they can, without batting an eyelid, decide to call it quits from an organization when they feel unchallenged or underappreciated – this, with no notice given.

Prosperous Mukaria spoke to Wananchi Reporting about his experience as an employer working with Gen Zs:

"One day I found one of my employees sleeping on her desk and I asked her if she was sick and she told me she is taking care of her mental health,” he said.

“I found this funny and started talking about my experience when I was her age, adding I would never have done that because I feared my bosses and would always put work first.”

“For Gen Zs it is very different, they are all about putting themselves first.”

Mukaria says keeping up with Get Zs in every aspect can be challenging. For those who have only known city life, they have phrases that can be misinterpreted.

Phrases like, "It's giving are used to mean the deliverables have been met, 'You ate it up’, to mean you look good, 'She understood the assignment’, to mean the job was well done.”

Mukaria says he has kept up to date with trends in the market through Gen Zs.

“There are core values that I admire with Gen Zs, such as; speaking up during discussions or when they feel intimidated, their ability to adjust to challenges with support and their technological knowledge.” 

Christine Rebiro, a Gen Z doing a corporate job, explained her views on work:

"I always put my mental health first and if I realise my work is unappreciated, some toxic co-workers or the task given to me is draining me, I always take a step back to give myself utmost care. When it's time to leave the office at 5pm, unless I am willing to continue with a certain project, I always take my off days and working hours seriously.”

“I like coming up with ideas and pitching them to my manager because I feel like millennials aren't flexible with change and they prefer things to continue working as they did when they first joined the company.”

Rebiro continues, “I care for the earth and demanding social and environmental justice from high level decision makers, hence I am more vocal and value driven. I enjoy being in the office and since I communicate with my co workers in Tik tok language, other people are interested in learning from us, it makes the office vibrant and breaks the ice.”

“Working as a Gen Z is fun and a bit challenging because some people want you to act in a certain way, but I am very vocal about following my passion and being authentic but very respectful while at it.”