Generation Z Attitudes about the Workplace During COVID-19: An Exploratory Survey

Principal Author
Victoria Villarreal
Undergraduate

Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Katherine Warnell

Abstract

Generation Z—those born between 1995 and 2012—have begun to enter into the workforce at a rapid pace. Although they will make up a significant portion of the workforce within the next few years, little research has been done regarding their work preferences and attitudes, especially whether and how they have been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to analyze the workplace experiences, expectations, and preferences of Generation Z, an exploratory survey was distributed to undergraduate students at Texas State University. We found that while most participants were very comfortable with personal technology use, many were uncomfortable with technology use in a professional setting. In terms of workplace preferences, students preferred healthcare over retirement benefits. We also found a relation between success with online courses and work setting preferences, such that students who were doing better on online courses preferred jobs where they could work from home. Finally, we discovered that although COVID-19 greatly impacted students’ academic experiences, the pandemic did not significantly impact their optimism about their futures. Our study was limited by the fact that we had no pre-COVID data and that our demographic breakdown did not fully capture Generation Z. Future directions could include expanding the survey nationwide and following participants over multiple years to see if their preferences and experiences stayed consistent.

14 thoughts on “Generation Z Attitudes about the Workplace During COVID-19: An Exploratory Survey

  1. What’s Happening i’m neww to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It
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  2. I find it interesting that the covid 19 virus has affected our work place tremendously but in a way that we are adapting to new things we never knew we were open to.

  3. Considering how significant technology is in society, understanding the views and preferences of today’s workforce is important. Interesting study.

  4. I think the research is reflective of a larger population of Gen Z students, with social media and all its easier for values/ideas to spread.

  5. It’s a shame we don’t have any pre covid data. It’d be interesting to see the before and after results

  6. This is a very interesting study, it’s cool to see differences from generation from generation. It’s also helpful for Gen Z kids who are starting to work, and the people that are hiring them.

  7. This project was really informational and interesting to read because it gives current employers the ability to understand how Generation Z would like to enter the workplace.

  8. This was a very interesting and much need research, specifically for those who are going to be the employers of generation z. As a part of generation z I think it may be helpful for the generation before us (the ones most likely hiring us) to have a pretty good understanding of what our comfortability will look like in a workplace after the affects of Covid 19.

  9. This study on Generation Z was needed since they have grown up surrounded by technology and employers need to find ways to mend the workplace in the conditions that they might need.

  10. Generation Z in the workplace would learn quickly how to adapt to the technology needed since they have grown up surrounded by technology. Understanding their adaptability will be helpful to future employers.

  11. Generation Z is just beginning to be understood (at least I am trying to understand you all – ha!) and I think this is very interesting. Workplace attitudes will very likely never be the same and understanding the impact of Covid on those attitudes will be very beneficial to both employers and employees.

  12. I am apart go gen z and I completely agree with this project. Since technology, is a the palm of our hands and we can do anything immediately right there. Its just more convenient.

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