The Role of Technology in Building a Gen Z-Friendly Work Culture
As we approach the new year, Generation Z, or “Zoomers”, is becoming an increasingly influential force in Singapore’s workforce. Born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, Gen Z follows Millennials and precedes Generation Alpha. While both generations value work-life balance, flexibility, and growth opportunities, Gen Z is far more tech-savvy and expects a work culture tailored to their unique needs. Organisations that fail to recognise these needs risk losing out on attracting and retaining talent. Managers – many of whom are Millennials themselves – must understand how Gen Z differs from their predecessors to foster a productive and engaged workforce.
Millennials, shaped by the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, experienced widespread unemployment and economic instability. This crisis pushed many Millennials to take on a “hustle” mentality, constantly changing jobs and adapting to uncertain conditions. According to Deloitte’s 2022 Millennial and Gen Z Survey, 38% of Millennials in Singapore report feeling anxious or stressed regularly, with nearly half experiencing burnout from heavy workloads.
While Gen Z shares similarities with Millennials, their experiences differ. Many Zoomers entered the workforce during the pandemic, with remote work and virtual collaboration becoming the norm. Unlike their Millennial counterparts, who adjusted to a more conventional work setting, Gen Z grew accustomed to hybrid work models, valuing flexibility and the ability to work from anywhere. As the pandemic recedes, many Gen Z workers are questioning the need for rigid, in-office work hours, having proven that they can remain productive while managing their own schedules.
Flexibility is paramount for Gen Z, who are increasingly choosing jobs that offer the freedom to work remotely. They prefer to have control over their working hours and environment, whether that means starting earlier, finishing later, or breaking up their day for personal tasks. This desire for autonomy also extends to their attitudes toward hierarchy. Gen Z expects flatter organisational structures, where managers act as enablers and coaches rather than top-down figures of authority. This shift requires leadership to focus more on empowering employees and fostering independence, rather than simply managing tasks and outcomes.
Gen Z’s deep immersion in technology has also influenced how they approach work. Unlike Millennials, who witnessed the rise of the internet, Gen Z grew up with smartphones, social media, and instant access to information. This generation is inherently connected and expects their workplace tools to reflect that. Traditional communication methods like email are increasingly seen as outdated, with more Gen Zers gravitating toward platforms that promote open communication and transparency across the organisation.
A significant trend in business technology is the move toward open communication platforms that allow all employees to stay informed about company activities. No longer is it acceptable for information to be siloed or for communication to be restricted to closed channels. Instead, platforms that facilitate collaboration and transparency are becoming the norm. This shift is particularly important for Gen Z, who value being part of the conversation and having access to information that empowers them to do their best work.
Another crucial innovation supporting Gen Z’s workplace needs is no-code workflow management software. Unlike traditional software, which often relies on pre-configured solutions, no-code platforms allow employees to develop custom tools suited to their specific needs. This empowers employees to solve problems and create solutions tailored to their roles, increasing efficiency and job satisfaction. Gen Z is drawn to intuitive, user-friendly systems that allow them to quickly adapt and focus on what matters most – their work.
As companies grow, no-code platforms offer the flexibility to scale and adjust to the evolving needs of teams across multiple offices or countries. However, adopting the right technology is crucial. Too often, businesses misinterpret digital transformation as simply subscribing to various software solutions without considering their impact on employee experience. A recent survey revealed that 49% of employees are frustrated with the tech tools provided by their organisation, and 64% feel these tools negatively affect morale.
As Gen Z begins to dominate the workforce in Singapore, their influence on workplace culture will only continue to grow. For companies to thrive in this new era, they must embrace flexible work practices, open communication, and supportive leadership. Technology will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of work, but it must be the right kind of technology – tools that empower employees, foster collaboration, and align with the needs of the modern workforce.
