Are Gen Zs fitting into workplace expectations? Mwelekeo Insights Poll highlights surprising perspectives

A recent poll by Mwelekeo Insights has revealed fascinating insights into how Kenyans perceive Gen Zs, particularly in their approach to workplace norms, politics, economics, and cultural values.

One striking finding from the poll shows that 48% of older generations believe Gen Zs conform to traditional organizational norms in workplaces.

Meanwhile, 13% think Gen Zs are trying to adapt to these norms, but 39% feel that Gen Zs are generally non-compliant in such settings.

This suggests a divide in how older generations view the younger workforce, are Gen Zs fitting into established systems, or are they pushing back against them?

The numbers show a generation that’s navigating the workplace in a way that sparks both approval and concern.Beyond the workplace, the poll explored Gen Zs’ role in Kenya’s political and civic landscape, uncovering a range of opinions.

A significant 77% of respondents acknowledged that Gen Zs are politically aware and actively engaged, especially on social media platforms where they discuss governance and social justice.

Additionally, 51% of respondents commended Gen Zs for their structured and bold activism, such as protests and campaigns tackling these issues.

However, 44% of participants felt that their activism lacks structure, potentially limiting its long-term impact, while 5% saw it as neither structured nor unstructured, and 8% remained neutral.

This highlights a tension between the energy Gen Zs bring to activism and the need for more organized efforts to create lasting change.

In terms of leadership, 57% of respondents believe Gen Zs have potential but would benefit from mentorship to develop practical governance skills.

On the other hand, 35% think Gen Zs are naturally opposed to the establishment and may not be interested in leadership roles while the 8% remained neutral.

This raises questions about whether Gen Zs are more focused on driving change outside traditional systems rather than stepping into formal leadership positions.

Economically, Gen Zs are making an impression. The poll found that 74% of respondents recognize their innovative approaches to earning a living, such as through online businesses, freelancing, and content creation.

However, 21% of respondents labeled Gen Zs as lazy and lacking entrepreneurial spirit, with 5% remaining unsure.

Many also praised Gen Zs for their adaptability in facing economic challenges like high youth unemployment and inflation, though 23% disagreed, believing they are not adaptable.

When it comes to social and cultural values, 84% of respondents view Gen Zs as progressive, particularly in advocating for gender equality, mental health awareness, and environmental sustainability.

This reflects a generation that’s passionate about reshaping societal norms for the better.

The poll also highlighted generational differences, with 64% of respondents noting significant gaps in work ethic, lifestyle, and communication styles between Gen Zs and older generations.

Despite this, 78% are optimistic that mentorship programs, intergenerational dialogue, and collaborative projects can bridge these gaps, though 14% see no chance for collaboration, and 8% are unsure.

Looking at rural versus urban perspectives, 68% of urban dwellers see Gen Zs as a powerful force for positive socio-economic and political change, while 34% disagree, and 15% are uncertain.

In rural areas, 52% support Gen Zs’ potential to drive change, but 18% oppose this view, and 14% have mixed feelings.

Gender-wise, 79% of men and 81% of women support Gen Zs as agents of positive change, though 16% of men and 13% of women remain skeptical, with 5% and 6% respectively staying neutral.

The Mwelekeo Insights poll paints a complex picture of Gen Zs in Kenya a generation that’s both celebrated for its innovation and activism and questioned for its approach to structure and leadership.

Gen Zs are undoubtedly a key part of its future, balancing tradition with transformation in their unique way.

You can view the complete survey details on their official website: https://mwelekeo.com/report/kenyans-above-30-perceptions-of-genzs.For the full report, visit their social media pages. (@MwelekeoKe), Facebook (@MwelekeoKe), Instagram (@MwelekeoKe), TikTok (@MwelekeoKe), LinkedIn (@MwelekeoKE), and YouTube (@Mwelekeo).