Digital natives. Who are they and why should businesses hire them?
Understanding the ‘digital native’ has become essential for businesses looking to adapt to an evolving digital landscape. Today, communication, information and entertainment are instantaneous, and this has a direct result on the way that modern businesses must operate.
What is a ‘digital native’?
Digital natives are individuals who have grown up surrounded by digital technology. While previous generations have witnessed and adapted to the technological revolution, digital natives have never known life without it. This experience fundamentally shapes how digital natives process information, learn and engage with the world and gives them an ‘instinctive’ way of working in an online landscape.
Generation Z, born roughly between 1997 and 2012, represents the first group of true digital natives. Their familiarity with digital tools and platforms from an early age distinguishes them from previous generations, making their skills and perspectives essential in today’s workplace.
Why are digital natives important for business?
Hiring digital natives is an essential and strategic step for any growing business. Here’s why:
- Business growth – Digital natives are often ‘early adopters’ of new technology. They are aware of emerging trends in both technology and culture, offering a competitive edge in shifting markets.
- Bridging the digital literacy gap– Digital natives have high levels of digital literacy skills. They use technology confidently in all aspects of their lives so it makes sense that this would extend to the workplace.
- Tech-savvy – They are comfortable navigating new tools, apps and platforms. While other generations may be hesitant to adopt new software without formal training, the digital native is happy to experiment with new software on their own as they often have former experience of other similar tools.
- Social collaboration – Gen Z is adept at using digital platforms to connect and share knowledge. Communicating and socialising digitally is second nature and they are on the pulse of current social media trends and patterns.
- Natural multitaskers – Accustomed to consuming media and handling multiple tasks simultaneously, digital natives thrive in fast-paced environments. Their ability to navigate several platforms at once can drive efficiency and innovation.
Digital natives are the workforce of the future and by 2025 Gen Z will make up one third of workers in the UK. As businesses increasingly adopt hybrid working models, the demand for employees with strong digital skills increases with it. Digital natives, with their innate technological fluency, are the foundation of this shift.
If your business is looking to tap into the expertise of young, digitally minded professionals, we can help. Contact us at info@alstraining.org.uk or explore our apprenticeship vacancy services to find the right talent for your team.