As the youngest generation entering the workforce, Gen Z (ages 12–27 as of 2024) is reshaping the future of work. For companies, understanding their unique needs and preferences is critical to fostering a productive, innovative, and loyal workforce. With 50% of Gen Z preparing to enter formal sectors and 43% actively seeking side gigs or higher-paying roles, businesses must adapt their strategies to attract, retain, and develop this talent pool (IDN Research Institute, 2024). 

This article outlines the corporate perspective on preparing Gen Z employees by identifying their needs, key training areas, and actionable strategies for long-term success. 

Understanding Gen Z in the Workplace 

Gen Z's values and challenges are distinct from previous generations. They prioritize personal growth, technological fluency, and work-life balance but face significant obstacles such as job insecurity and financial instability. Key insights from the Indonesia Millennial and Gen Z Report 2025 include: 

1. Digital Natives: 60% of Gen Z prefer digital-first training methods to align with their tech-savvy nature. 

2. Financial Concerns: 41% cite lack of savings as a major issue, emphasizing the need for financial literacy training (IDN Research Institute, 2024). 

3. Career Mobility: With 34% seeking higher-paying opportunities, companies must offer clear paths for career advancement. 

What Companies Need to Train for Gen Z 

To prepare Gen Z for workplace challenges and align with their aspirations, companies should focus on: 

1. Digital and Technological Skills  Gen Z thrives in technology-driven environments. Training programs in AI, data analytics, and digital marketing are essential for their development. 

• Data Point: 56% of Gen Z have embraced frugal lifestyles to manage financial challenges, highlighting their readiness for efficiency-focused roles (IDN Research Institute, 2024). 

2. Soft Skills Development  As automation reshapes industries, interpersonal and leadership skills remain indispensable. Training in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork can bridge gaps. 

• Impact: Soft skills training boosts productivity by 12% across teams (World Economic Forum, 2023). 

3. Entrepreneurial Mindset  With 43% of Gen Z engaging in side-gigs, fostering entrepreneurial skills such as creativity, resilience, and adaptability is crucial. 

• Case Study: A Jakarta-based tech firm integrated entrepreneurship workshops, leading to a 25% increase in employee-led innovations. 

4. Financial Literacy Programs  Given Gen Z's financial insecurities, training in budgeting, investment, and savings strategies can alleviate personal stress and enhance productivity. 

• Survey Result: 36% of Gen Z prioritize emergency fund savings, reflecting their financial planning aspirations (IDN Research Institute, 2024). 

Strategies for Effective Gen Z Training 

1. Leverage Technology Use digital platforms, gamified learning tools, and mobile applications to deliver training programs. 

• Data Point: 60% of Gen Z engage with digital tools daily, making them receptive to tech-based solutions (IDN Research Institute, 2024). 

2. Customize Training Content Provide personalized training modules that align with career goals. For example, self-paced courses in AI for technical roles or leadership coaching for aspiring managers. 

3. Mentorship and Peer Learning  Gen Z values collaboration and feedback. Pairing them with mentors can accelerate their growth while fostering a culture of knowledge sharing. 

4. Flexibility and Inclusivity Offer hybrid training schedules to accommodate their side-gigs and education commitments. Promote inclusivity to reflect their preference for diverse, equitable workplaces. 

Corporate Benefits of Gen Z Training 

Investing in Gen Z training delivers long-term returns: 

• Retention: Companies with strong development programs report a 35% increase in employee retention. 

• Innovation: Gen Z’s comfort with technology and fresh perspectives can drive innovation, with trained teams generating 20% more ideas than untrained peers (Deloitte, 2023). 

• Brand Reputation: Firms that prioritize employee growth are seen as desirable employers, enhancing talent acquisition efforts. 

For businesses, preparing Gen Z for the workforce is not just about meeting immediate operational needs—it’s about future-proofing their organizations. By aligning training programs with Gen Z's aspirations and addressing their challenges, companies can build resilient, innovative teams poised for success in a competitive market. 

Start empowering your Gen Z workforce today. Explore tailored training programs on Education Indonesia to make a lasting impact. 

References 

• Deloitte. (2023). Workforce Trends and the Role of Training in Innovation. 

• IDN Research Institute. (2024). Indonesia Millennial and Gen Z Report 2025. 

• World Economic Forum. (2023). Future of Jobs Report. 

Photo 

Photo by Muhammad Renaldi: https://www.pexels.com/photo/group-of-young-people-12388294/