The number of Gen Z employees in the workforce is quickly growing and will make up over a quarter of the workforce by 2025.To better understand the priorities of Gen Z professionals, and what this means for businesses and IT leaders, Android Enterprise conducted a survey of 1,000 working individuals across industries between the ages of 18 and 27 in the U.S. and UK. Overall, the survey shed light on the technology and workplace preferences of Gen Z employees:

• 85% of Gen Z respondents emphasized the importance of productivity, favoring AI-powered tools when choosing a work phone
• 78% want the ability to easily disconnect outside of working hours
• 91% emphasized the importance of protecting data and privacy on mobile devices

From the rise of the creator economy to digital nomads turning the world into their office, Gen Z is redefining work and influencing business priorities. Flexible work options, clear work-life boundaries and AI-driven solutions will be essential to foster productivity and engagement among this new generation of workers.

Top 5 takeaways for businesses and IT leaders

Here are a few tips on how businesses and IT leaders can create an environment that allows Gen Z employees to reach their full potential in the workplace, and how Android Enterprise can help.

1. Leverage AI for productivity: Integrating AI-powered tools into the workplace can help Gen Z employees be more productive, tap into their creative side and fast track daily tasks. Android offers features that align with Gen Z’s preference for productivity-enhancing technology. For example, Circle to Search allows employees to quickly search on their device, without switching apps, with a simple gesture. And the Gemini app on Android helps employees easily summarize information, generate images, brainstorm ideas and write content to finish tasks faster and boost their productivity.
2. Provide flexible and secure device choices: To cater to individual preferences and work styles, offer a range of devices, including foldables and flip phones. And to enhance flexibility, consider enabling personal devices for work. Regardless of whether an employee has a work or personal device, Google Play Protect uses machine learning to combat malware, phishing and ransomware and can warn users if it detects suspicious app behavior and blocks harmful apps.
3. Support distributed work: Make sure your Gen Z workforce has the tools and access needed to work effectively and securely from anywhere. For example, with upcoming features like Theft Detection Lock, employees can have peace of mind knowing their data is protected. Theft Detection Lock uses AI to detect if an employee’s phone is snatched and immediately locks down the screen, keeping personal and business data safe.
4. Promote employee wellbeing: Support your employees individual work styles and authenticity in working the way they want. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for Gen Z, and Android’s Work Profile feature is designed to support this. Work Profile separates work and personal apps, promoting focus during work hours and disconnecting when needed. And Focus Mode on Android mutes selected apps to reduce distractions during important tasks or meetings.
5. Foster privacy and transparency: Provide transparency and keep employees informed about company data policies. Android has a completely separate work and personal profile, so personal data can’t be accessed or monitored. Lastly, Android also helps businesses offer employees transparency into how their device is managed. For example, business policies governing the Android device are accessible any time in the Settings app to the employee.

Ready to learn more about how Android Enterprise can help you create a workplace that empowers Gen Z? Join us for the Android Talks Productivity virtual event to discover how technology can foster flexibility, productivity, and well-being in your organization.