Presenting

Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 55 15 CHARACTERISTICS OF GENERATION Z 1 | They are the first "digital natives." Gen Z has never known a world without the internet and social media. They are comfortable with and sophisticated about technology, and they tend to be early adopters of new platforms and devices. Many are social-media activists and/or avid gamers. 2 | They expect to work with the most modern technology. 3 | They are racially, ethnically, sexually and religiously diverse—the most diverse generation ever. Diversity is their norm. 4 | They are inclusive. Gen Z is more accepting of others than any previous generation. They believe that everyone should be treated equally, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation. 5 | They value social and environmental responsibility, which makes them shrewd and ethical consumers; however, they value access over possession. 6 | They are politically progressive—even those on the right. 7 | They are independent. They are less likely to rely on others for help and more likely to take matters into their own hands. 8 | They are ultra-focused and are known to set boundaries. 9 | They want stability and flexibility. 10 | They're ambitious, pragmatic and financially minded (money driven). 11 | They are entrepreneurial. They are more likely to start their own businesses and less likely to stay in traditional jobs for their entire careers. 12 | They're breaking away from institutional structures. 13 | They're prone to anxiety because of the uncertainty, discord and strife they see in the world, their life experiences thus far, and other factors. 14 | They love to travel. 15 | They're nostalgic. 5 WEAKNESSES OF GENERATION Z 1 | They love being on social media and often spend hours every day scrolling through various platforms. 2 | They have shorter attention spans and are often less aware of things going on around them due to being connected to social media and electronic devices. 3 | They feel entitled in some situations, often expecting things to be handed to them with little or no effort on their part. This is due to the ways in which many of them have been raised and educated (see No. 5 for more information on this). 4 | They're impulsive and have difficulty waiting for anything. They want what they want, and they want it now. 5 | They don't know how to handle failure, often because they have no experience with it. This is due, in part, to the "participation trophy" mindset, the lack of importance placed on achievement and/or the emotional coddling with which many of them have been brought up. Also, because of social media and the never-ending highlight reels of people's lives, they perceive everyone as being successful—except for them. Having grown up with these false senses of reality, failure can be devastating to Gen Zers. at same transparency needs to be provided on the job itself. "Gen Zers have a lot more desire to know," says Michael Gibbs, CEO at Go Cloud Careers in Port St. Lucie, Fla. "Transparent communication tells them they are valued, they are worth communicating with and there's a level of respect. And, if they receive that respect, they will return it." Transparency goes two ways: Gen Zers also want "a seat at the table" when it comes to authority. "Traditionally, early-career professionals felt their voices would be dismissed because of their inexperience," Ginder states. "is new generation, though, has a real focus on respect and inclusion in the workplace. at means they want to have a voice when it comes to decisions. ey want to understand the processes and procedures for how things function."

• Cover