[Jjinbit] The New Year Marking the First Encounter Between AI and Generation Z

20s Employment and AI Adoption Era Converge
Digital Generation Debut, More Hope Than Worry

Editor's Note[Jjinbit] is a shortened form of 'Jung Hyunjin's Business Trend' and 'Real Business Trend,' a segment that showcases trends in the changing nature of work.

As the new year 2024 approaches, there are two key keywords that are putting companies worldwide on edge: “Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)” and “Generation Z.” Starting next year, for the first time in history, these two will come together in offices around the globe, and their work performance will determine the fate of each company.

First, after the ChatGPT craze in the first half of this year, AI that boosts productivity?such as Microsoft (MS)’s “Copilot” and Google’s “Duet AI”?began being sold in the second half of the year and is now deeply penetrating offices. Tasks traditionally done by junior employees, like taking meeting minutes and summarizing documents, are now being handled by AI. With AI’s full-scale entry into our workplaces, next year is expected to be the first year when workers of all generations experience these changes firsthand.

Generation Z, entering offices worldwide alongside AI, will emerge as the “first generation of digital natives” (born 1997?2012). According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Generation Z’s active entry into the workforce will make them the dominant generation, accounting for 27% of workers in member countries by 2025. In the United States, there are already forecasts that early next year, Generation Z will surpass the Baby Boomer generation in the proportion of full-time employees.

Next year, when AI and Generation Z?both of which have been subjects of much debate and controversy?enter the workplace simultaneously, how will our offices change? The wave of change will largely depend on how quickly AI and Generation Z integrate. While Generation Z is adept at using digital devices, there are concerns that they may experience the greatest confusion and feel marginalized in the workplace due to the spread of AI.

According to a recent report by LinkedIn, a professional social networking service, Generation Z is the age group most likely to believe that generative AI will replace their jobs, more so than Baby Boomers, Generation X, or Millennials. Because they have just started their social lives, have relatively short careers, and handle comparatively simple tasks, they worry that AI can easily replace their work. Although many Baby Boomers (born 1946?1964) share similar concerns, they are more likely than other generations to believe that generative AI will assist them in their work.

For now, Baby Boomers and Generation X, who have more social experience, fixed positions, and established tasks at work, seem to have an advantage in using AI as a tool. They already have high proficiency in their existing tasks and know well how to utilize AI effectively. When Microsoft piloted Copilot earlier this year, executives and managers reportedly had better experience using generative AI than entry-level employees.

However, Generation Z, who grew up with digital devices, is not expected to struggle with AI for long. Even before entering the workforce, Generation Z has been adept at using AI for school assignments and even writing self-introductions, producing flawless results. LinkedIn predicted that “(Generation Z’s) comfort with technology and ability to quickly adopt new tools will rapidly overcome the challenges faced early in their careers.”

The combination of a new generation and new technology, along with conflicts with existing generations, will be challenges that every workplace must address. With the dawn of a massive wave of change just around the corner, companies will need meticulous strategies and deep reflection to build differentiated competitiveness.