Forget boomers and Gen Xers. The affections of researchers have shifted to a new generation, many of whom aren’t even working yet, as the data crunchers compete to define Generation Z.

The latest: A study from Future Workplace, a human resources research company, gathered data from 2,000 Gen Zers and 2,000 millennials from around the globe. The target groups were comprised of individuals of working age (at least 22), so responses came from many young people who exist near the border of Z-dom and millennial land.

The report said the two generations have much in common, particularly when it comes to how and with whom they want to work. For example, both groups value workplace flexibility above health benefits as a perquisite. Thus the global responses for the two were combined in the report, although some U.S. data is reported by generation.

"Despite the introduction and proliferation of new technologies at work, millennials and Gen Z value the in-person communication that comes with a traditional corporate office much like older generations do,” says Dan Schawbel, research director at Future Workplace.

“At the same time, they also seek flexible hours and telecommuting that two-thirds of companies still fail to offer. Companies that want to successfully recruit, retain and grow their young talent must look to corporate culture as their competitive advantage moving forward.”

Among the results of questions about the kind of employment environment these young workers are seeking are the following:

What sort of technologies do you expect to find at work?

- Social media (41 percent).
- Wearables (27 percent).
- Virtual reality (26 percent).

What technologies distract them the most from their work?

- Social media (46 percent).
- Text messaging (39 percent).
- Email (31 percent).

Which industries are they most and least attracted to?

- Technology (45 percent).
- Education (17 percent).
- Insurance (3 percent).
- Energy and utilities (3 percent).
- Telecommunications (4 percent).

How often do they receive feedback about their job performance?

- Weekly (24 percent).
- “Regularly” (23 percent).
- Daily (19 percent).
- Annually (3 percent).

In the United States, 28 percent of Gen Z and 17 percent of millennials received feedback regularly.

Instant Insights /

Gen Z, millennials want wearables, virtual reality gadgets at work

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