AS technology-driven students enter the workforce they are seen to propel growth in businesses, a study showed.
According to a study commissioned by Dell Technologies, Filipinos that belong to Generation Z (Gen Z) have the most confidence in their technology skills but they worry that they lack the soft skills required in the workplace.
“Technology attracts them. They learn a lot through technology. They were helped by technology when they were in school,” said Michelle Juliano, product marketing manager of Dell EMC Philippines.
Soft skills are personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people. These skills include communication skills, listening skills, and empathy, among others.
Gen Z are those born between 1995 and 2010 and are aged 16 to 23 years old.
Dimensional Research conducted an online survey of students attending secondary and post-secondary schools in 17 countries around the globe from August to September 2018.
Findings
The online survey was answered by 730 Filipino high school and college students.
Results of the survey showed that Filipino youth ranked highest in all the study’s research categories.
The study showed 80 percent of the respondents want to work with cutting-edge technology while 40 percent are interested in information technology (IT) careers.
Some 40 percent aspired to be involved in technology research and development while 97 percent said technology offered by an employer would be a factor in choosing similar job offers.
“They (Gen Z) have flexibility which means they can work everywhere and it makes them productive,” said Charlz Adano, marketing manager of Dell EMC Philippines.
Purpose versus money
Morever, for Gen Z, meaning and purpose are more important than money.
“They want more than just money. As long as you give them the nicest and latest gadget, they will go for that particular job,” Juliano said.
Gen Z are also open to the idea of teaching their peers when it comes to any knowledge that pertains to technology.
“This generation is open to human and machine collaboration. They are not afraid of the technology in the next couple of years,” she said.
Balance
Juliano said maintaining a balance between different generations in a workplace is important for a company to bridge the digital gap.
“Mentoring sessions for the company to leverage the different generations within the workplace and integrate innovation,” said Juliano.
With different digital products like augmented reality, artificial intelligence and other software, Juliano said that this will implement digital transformation to a company.
“For Gen Z, technology is a major driver for development,” she said.
Dell Technologies provides essential infrastructure for organizations to build their digital future, transform IT and protect their most important asset, information. JOB