For young people today, increasing competition, diminishing opportunities and a foggy road ahead are the signs of the times. The impact of unexpected systemic shocks – be it the cancellation of the NEET exam or the tightening of visa rules for study and work abroad – is what they have to deal with. The CBSE exam fiasco, which has affected a large number of students, is another clear example of the challenges faced by the youth.
Like every generation before them, members of Gen Y (Millennials) and Gen Z are scrutinized for attitudes and responses. Being digital natives, population groups born after the 1990s have a characteristic online presence within which their sources of information and influence reside. Choosing courses to study, social interactions, financial transactions, shopping and work are all enabled by digital platforms.
They have access to significant resources and their decisions, whether watching a movie or making a purchase, are shaped by social media research, user experience and recommendations. Thus, they are not merely consumers but are instrumental in driving demand. Unlike their parents, who spent a lifetime building a career in the same workplace, recent generations demand flexibility—more are choosing not to use extractive business systems that cause burnout.
Gen Z workers make up about a quarter of corporate India’s formal workforce. Their behavior comes up for critical evaluation in the workplace. Rejecting rigid hierarchical structures, choosing to consciously “undress” and focusing on expertise over traditional supervisory roles are shaping their career trajectories. There is a paradigm shift in their approach to work. They are ready to change jobs, go on short vacations and prioritize work-life balance.
