Gen Z says school isn’t giving them the skills they need to survive in the digital world, a Dell Technologies study has found

Generation Z refers to the generation born between 1997 and 2012, post-millennials. This generation was raised on the internet and social media, and some of the older generation are graduating college and in the workforce in 2020. A report from Dell Technologies shows that Gen Z sees the role of technology as central to responding to and preparing for some of the biggest challenges we face today and will face in the future. They think governments can solve problems, but they won’t. However, only a third of respondents are confident that current public investments will lead to a thriving digital economy. About 50% are willing to accept short-term economic hardship if it allows policymakers to invest in long-term solutions, and more than half believe the government should make investing in health a top priority.

Lack of education and skills

The report shows that members of Generation Z recognize the need to develop digital skills for their future careers: 36% plan to acquire new digital skills and 40% consider technology skills important for their future careers; however, they are also frustrated that their education does not better prepare them for the world of work: 44% said school taught them only very basic computer skills, and 37% said schooling (for children under 16) did not provide them with the necessary training. technological skills needed for their intended careers. 40% consider learning new digital skills important for future career choices.

Dan Grant, Human Resources Director, Dell UK&I, said: “It’s clear that Gen Z are aware that their upbringing can ill prepare them for their future careers, but this gives us as an industry an opportunity to explore the issue. HR plays a key role in digital transformation in the workplace by creating a learning ecosystem that engages employees. We need to ensure that we equip employees with the right technology ecosystem and, most importantly, that they feel empowered to use it.

Gen Z (44% of respondents) also believe that companies need to work more closely with education to facilitate their thirst for learning around the public sector and digital skills in particular. Grant adds: By clearly identifying areas where Gen Z feels there are gaps, companies can target and tailor the training courses they offer and work with relevant educators to help fill the gap. Focusing on education at all levels will ensure that it is diverse and responsive, which will increase employee motivation, improve employee productivity and development, and give them confidence in a bright future.

The future is hybrid

A third of respondents want flexible and remote work, and a third want an office job. Given that Gen Z are more willing to be in the office than older generations, and this has been noted in previous research, Dell found that while 29% consider flexible and remote work to be important in their choice of employer, the same proportion highly value nine-to-five working hours . Dell advised employers to adopt a range of flexible working arrangements.

Dell’s report also revealed that Gen Z sees digital workplaces as essential to the future of work. According to Dell, a superior digital workspace makes it easy and secure for employees to access the applications and resources they need to do their jobs, no matter where they are or what device they’re using. “. Agile work models not only require advanced technology, but also the right culture for employees to feel included. This in turn will increase productivity.

“It’s clear that Gen Z sees technology as critical to their future well-being,” said Aongus Hegarty, president of International Markets at Dell Technologies, in a statement. Now it’s up to us – leading technology providers, governments and the public sector – to work together and make them successful by improving quality and access to digital learning. 44 percent of Gen Zers believe that educators and businesses should work together to close the digital skills gap, and given the speed at which technology is advancing, this will require constant collaboration.

Source: Dell Technologies

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