9 Gen Z creatives voice their concerns about WFH
For many people around the world, especially those working in senior-level roles, working from home has truly been a dream come true. They get to spend time with their family and manage work in the comfort of their home. WIN-WIN!
For Gen Z, it is literally the worst. These young creatives have pointed out how essential it is to form human connections, especially when looking for your first entry-level role. Internships, inductions, interviews - they can all be done on a zoom call but do they deliver the same value? Do people learn the same way they’d have in an office with a team full of experienced individuals?
Ask your younger self, would you be at this stage in your career if your internships and your entry-level role(s) were all remote? Would you have made the same industry connections if you were WFH?
ERIC interviewed 9 Gen Z creatives to allow employers to understand the environment young people are facing today and how you can support them as they enter the workspace.
Let’s listen to what they have to say
Devyn
“Given the nature of internships, it’s always going to be so new to somebody. Therefore it will always be beneficial to ask questions in real-time and to get hands-on feedback when you’re doing a particular task rather than to wait for an email or a phone call.”
Devyn discusses:
How the virtual workspace provides her convenience
Why internships & induction are more impactful in person rather than on zoom
Why human connection is necessary for a successful interview
Diante
“I wouldn’t mind the hybrid nature of the workplace. I think it would allow for better productivity and companies would definitely see the return of investment by doing so.”
Diante discusses
The importance of having a choice - whether to WFH or from the office.
How much time and money is saved by working virtually
How companies increase productivity with the hybrid nature of workspace
James
“If the main advantage is that someone who lives far away can do the job interview on Zoom, I think the candidate who can make it physically in person would still have the edge because they’d be able to show their personality and there’s a chance to put a face to a name and have that interpersonal connection.”
James discusses
The benefits of virtual interviewing
The importance of building a rapport with the team
Why it’s important for young talent to approach new companies
Emma
“It’s easier to connect with people you might not have been able to connect with before because of geographical barriers. However, personally, I do like to be more proactive and it is essential to separate your home space from your workspace.”
Emma discusses
Why a young person needs to have a personal connection with the team?
The importance of having space between home and work.
How changing landscape helps to get out of your comfort zone
Tola
“I think interviews, virtually or in-person, are both equally effective because all the company wants to do is to meet you - see your drive and see if you align with their mission statement.”
Tola discusses
How companies can fulfil the different needs of young creatives
The importance of maintaining a balance.
The importance of creating a first impression.
Lizzie
“I think finding a job has become a lot harder. I’m not sure if it’s because graduates from last year are also applying for roles this year so there’s more competition but virtual interviews have definitely made it even more difficult to secure a job.”
Lizzie discusses
Why young creatives want to be able to show their personality
Whether it’s easier or more difficult to make decisions while working virtually
The importance of being able to ask questions.
Rhea
“It’s just better to be a part of the team and work in the office with your co-employees. You miss out on that while working virtually. The ideal workspace would be a hybrid one.”
Rhea discusses
How employees can save time and energy while working virtually
The importance of interacting within the community
The volume of applications that have to be filled while working online.
Kate
“I like the virtual working environment - it is comfortable and there are fewer distractions. I think virtual interviews are just as effective to assess an applicant’s punctuality and professionalism”
Kate discusses
Why working virtually is more productive
Whether virtual events successful
The difference between virtual and in-person interviews.
Abayomi
“In an interview, you’d want to see the small things- how they come in through the door, how they present themselves, how they address you.. so I think in terms of saving time and money, virtual workspace is good but in terms of really knowing the person, its best to meet someone face-to-face.”
Abayomi discusses
The benefits of working from home?
How young people are missing out on making REAL connections.
How in-person interviews provide a better chance to make an impression.
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