Understanding Gen Z: The Key to Building a Thriving EdTech Workforce

Working in two growing B2C Edtech startups in the last 8 years and scaling from scratch, I have a strong conviction- the next layers of great leaders would be the ones who understand GenZ and evolve the work culture focussed on GenZ workforce, specially at fresher or associate level. With Indian Edtech being a formidable force in terms of employment opportunity, the most important areas in EdTech that require substantial workforce are Creative and Effective Content Creation, Mentoring, and Sales- all which might just not be totally replaced by AI in near future. All these areas would require a workforce to cater to the requirements of the industry which is expected to grow at 25% CAGR from 2024-2030 and reach around $29 Billion by 2030. 

Amidst the current 50,000+ workforce, a new wave of employees are rising, bringing fresh perspectives and an entirely different approach to work. These are Generation Z, born between mid 1990s and early 2000s, they are reshaping the workplace like never before. Over the past few years, our workplace has completely changed. GenZ is projected to make up upto 50% of the EdTech workforce, and around 90% in the entry level EdTech Sales & Support Workforce by 2025 and has disrupted the status quo. With their exceptional tech-savviness and distinct values, they introduce both opportunities and complexities to the workplace.

As companies, leaders, and teams work to understand and accommodate Gen Z’s unique characteristics, new questions emerge: What challenges does this generation face at work? How can we close the gap and foster a supportive environment that helps them thrive?

Let us deep-dive into the  diverse challenges employers face when incorporating Gen Z into the workforce.

Fuelled by their unique experiences and upbringing, Gen Z employees bring distinct traits to the workplace. Having grown up with advanced technology, they possess strong digital literacy and easily navigate digital platforms and communication tools. Highly connected and social, they are used to instant access to information. Compared to older generations, they stand out for their digital fluency, entrepreneurial spirit, and strong commitment to social justice and inclusion.

I have interviewed a couple of hundred GenZ Entry Level Sales Associates in the past 2 years. The challenge faced by the employers with Gen Z  are numerous but what exactly does GenZ expect from their employers can be summarised as below from my understanding of them in my interviews:

1. Purpose-Driven work – GenZ seeks roles that align with their values and create societal impact.
2. Career Growth Opportunities – Continuous learning and skill development are key motivators.
3. Work-Life Balance – Flexibility, remote work, and personal well-being are highly valued.
4. Inclusion & Diversity – They thrive in environments that foster equality and respect.
5. Frequent Feedback – Regular recognition and constructive input drive their engagement.
6. Mission-Driven passion – They are inspired by organisations with a meaningful vision.
7. Collaborative Culture – Open participation and valued contributions boost motivation.
8. Entrepreneurial Freedom – Opportunities to innovate and take initiative enhance motivation.
9. Seeing their Impact – They seek tangible results from their work to stay motivated.
10. Transparent Leadership – Honesty, openness, and clear communication build trust.
11. Positive work culture – A supportive, inclusive, and creative environment boosts job satisfaction.
12. Creative Expression – They value opportunities for innovation and out-of-the-box thinking.
13. Personalised Growth plans – Tailored development programs keep them engaged.
14. Work-Life Integration – Employers who support holistic well-being enhance their commitment.
15. Communication Struggle - GenZ faces challenges with nonverbal communication in the modern workplace, often struggling with body language, tone, and in-person interactions due to their digital-first upbringing.
16. Instant Gratification – They seek quick results but must learn long-term perseverance.

I believe the first step towards maximising productivity is understanding and adapting to GenZ’s expectations, fosters engagement, productivity, and long-term retention.  Few points which I have considered as per my experience are as follows:

1. Offer Flexible Work Options – Support remote work and flexible schedules for balance.
2. Provide Career Growth – Ensure mentorship, training, and clear advancement paths.
3. Promote Inclusion – Foster an inclusive and welcoming work environment.
4. Give Regular Feedback – Recognise achievements and provide timely guidance.
5. Encourage Teamwork – Create opportunities for collaboration and shared innovation.
6. Align Work with Purpose – Connect roles to meaningful goals and societal impact.
7. Support Work-life Integration – Prioritize employee well-being and holistic growth.
8. Nurture Innovation – Allow GenZ to contribute fresh ideas and creative solutions.
9. Showcase Impact – Demonstrate how their efforts drive organisational success.

GenZ team members are driven by purpose, so it's essential to align our team's mission with their values. We need to show them how their work contributes to a larger impact, reinforcing their role's significance. They thrive on seeing tangible results, we need to highlight how their contributions drive organizational success. By fostering this connection, we create an environment where Gen Z feels valued, engaged, and motivated to excel.

The future of EdTech Leadership lies in understanding and evolving with Gen Z.

By embracing their values, fostering a culture of purpose, and creating an environment that fuels growth, we can unlock their full potential and drive impactful change in an organisation.

What are your thoughts on adapting workplaces for Gen Z?

Hi, I’m Sourav. My mission is to craft the best sales team in the country. I have a soft spot for sales and an even softer spot for ensuring my sales team thrives without drowning in pressure.

My vision? To transform sales into one of the most cherished professions. Life’s too short not to enjoy what you do, right?

Let’s connect and exchange insights!

#GenZ #EdTech #FutureOfWork #Leadership