New Dell Technologies research reveals Gen Z Malaysians expect a digital workplace, but still value human interaction
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| Gen Z (born after 1996) |
From August to September 2018, Dimensional Research conducted an online survey of students attending secondary and post-secondary school in 17 countries around the globe. The survey was translated into 12 languages and more than 12,000 individuals aged 16-23 completed the survey. The study is one of the largest of its kind to gather hard data on current attitudes and opinions on technology and the workplace among Generation Z (born after 1996) students who will be entering the workforce in the coming years
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| Gen Z entering the workforce with deep understanding of technology |
The survey of 4,331 – including 724 from Malaysia from the high school and college students across 6 countries in Southeast Asia (SEA) which including Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam to reveals the younger generation’s outlook on technology and future jobs.
According to the study, Gen Z-ers have strong interest in technology jobs, as:
- 90% (in Malaysia and SEA) want to work with cutting-edge technology; of those
- 41% in Malaysia are interested in IT careers (43% in SEA);
- 44% in Malaysia want to work in cybersecurity (43% in SEA); and
- 54% in Malaysia aspire to be involved in technology research and development (53% in SEA)
- 98% (99% in SEA) have used technology as part of their formal education; in addition, 94% (95% in SEA) say the technology offered by an employer would be a factor in choosing between similar job offers
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| Gen Z confident about their technical skills |
In this day and age, 98% (in Malaysia and SEA) are careful of what they post on social media as it may impact the ability to be hired in the future.
Although they have interacted with electronic devices practically since birth and grew up with social media, Gen Z-ers yearn for more human interaction in the workplace. In Malaysia for example:
- 81% (74% in SEA) expect to learn on the job from coworkers or other people – not online
- 74% (72% in SEA) prefer talking to coworkers in person compared to text-based communication
- More than half (55% in Malaysia, 53% in SEA) prefer to go to a workplace versus working from home, and 66% (63% in SEA) prefer to work as part of team rather than independently
With up to five generations now in the workplace, businesses must help workers find common ground as they push to create a digital-first culture. Cross-functional teams with complementary skillsets can encourage knowledge exchange and a fresh approach to problem-solving.
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| Gen Z yearns for more human connection |
Internships, rotation programs and other early-career development opportunities can help young professionals gain experience and develop soft skills on the job.
For more information on Gen Z: the future has arrived, please visit DellTechnologies.com/GenZ
