Workplace expectations of Generation Z: Inclusion, mental health support, and flexibility

The modern workforce requires a blend of old-fashioned knowledge, new abilities, and the correct mindset. Although information and technical skills can be effectively imparted by educational institutions, social sensitivity, compassion, and cultural competence are becoming increasingly important.

International partnerships can help students become more culturally competent, but modern abilities like leadership, IT know-how, and communication are also essential. In particular, cultural competency and flexibility are important because they help students flourish in a variety of professional settings.

The expectations of Generation Z at work demonstrate the quick speed at which generations are changing. An RPG Group poll of 4,000 Gen Zers in 13 locations found that flexible work schedules, mental health support, no dress code, menstruation leaves, and harassment prevention measures rank among these young professionals' top objectives. These results show that, in contrast to earlier generations, workplace values have significantly changed.

Fitting industry needs with student aspirations

Professor Simrit Kaur, Principal of Shri Ram College of Commerce, emphasised the significance of matching industry demands with student goals during a conversation with educators. Although today's students are more intelligent and have well-defined career objectives, their hobbies and job responsibilities frequently diverge. To close this disparity and guarantee comprehensive growth, the organisation provides career and psychological counselling.

Increasing Aversion to Conventional Career Paths

Professor Anju Srivastava emphasised how students' interest in non-traditional vocations is expanding. "Post-COVID, there's a strong trend towards entrepreneurship and social sector work," she stated. Colleges are creating a culture of innovation and social responsibility by including research projects, internships, and practical experiences into their courses in order to encourage this.

The significance of entrepreneurship education

An eminent undergraduate college's Professor Poonam Verma spoke on the value of entrepreneurial education. "We were the first non-engineering college to receive a government grant for an incubation centre, supporting start-ups with funding and mentorship," she said. Resilience is another area of emphasis at the college, where students learn how to grow from their mistakes and overcome them.

The best ways to use technology

Considering the importance of technology, Professor Kaur pointed out that ChatGPT and similar tools had to be utilised to the fullest. "It's about driving the technology, not being driven by it," she stated. Instead than replacing critical thinking with technology, educators must make sure that students use it to strengthen it.

Curriculum needs to cover information, skills, and attitudes in the modern world. Even if we are excellent at teaching knowledge and skills, it is also very important to equip kids to be compassionate, socially aware, and culturally aware. Working with foreign partners improves students' cross-cultural competency, according to Professor Bipin Jojo, dean of Mumbai's Tata Institute of Social Sciences.

In addition, leadership, communication, and IT expertise are essential modern abilities. The most crucial and pertinent abilities required nowadays are cultural competency and the ability to adjust to various situations.