Filipinos are digital native leaders regionally, globally

IN revealed that Generation Z (Gen Z) entering the

According to the research, postmillennials, those born after 1996, have a deep, universal understanding of technology and its potential to transform how we work and live, and Filipino Gen- Z have the most and college students in 17 countries were interviewed. A total of 4,331 students across six Southeast Asia countries — i.e. the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia — also participated in this study.

Technology-first mentality, yet socially-aware

will create a more equitable work environment by preventing bias and discrimination; 60 percent want jobs that allow them to use technology to help others or the environment; 67 percent believe their work must give them refreshed skillsets and new experiences on the job; 53 percent want to work for an organization that is socially/environmentally responsible

Gen Z still values the human element

Rather than being replaced by machines, an overwhelming 94 percent of Filipino respondents recognize that we are entering the age of humanmachine partnerships; 35 percent Filipino youths believe that humans and machines will work as integrated teams, while 59 percent see machines as tools for humans to use as needed.

Although they have interacted with electronic devices practically since birth and grown up with social media, Filipino Gen Z-ers still yearn for human interaction in the workplace. Interpersonal communication and collaboration are very important for Filipino Gen Z-ers, with 77 percent expecting to learn on the job from coworkers or other people — not online; 53 percent said in- person communication is the preferred method for communicating with coworkers, compared to phone ( 18 percent) or messaging apps and texting ( 10 percent); 91 percent say that social media can be a valuable tool in the workplace; 60 percentprefer to go to a workplace versus working from home, and 74 percent prefer to work as part of team rather than independently.

Workforce readiness, potential generational rifts

Despite Filipino Gen Z-ers being the

in their technology skills, they are also the most worried about their employability (96 percent). 60 percent of respondents saying they lack the working experience employers look

the tech skills that employers want, but not necessarily the non-tech skills.

At the same time and by contrast, senior professionals are concerned they are being outpaced and that a majority of leadership roles in the future will

businesses must help workers find common ground while they push to

Among the Filipino youth respondents, 86 percent would be willing to mentor an older co- worker who was not as comfortable with technology. Up to five generations are now in the workplace and businesses must help workers find common ground as they push to create a digital- first culture.

With Gen Z willing to be tech ambassadors, organizations can create cross- functional teams with complementary skill sets to encourage knowledge- exchange and initiate a fresh approach to problem-solving. Internships, rotation programs and other early-career development opportunities can help young professionals gain experience and develop soft skills on the job. And, reverse mentorship programs can enhance technical competencies throughout an organization, with Gen Z leading the way.