The phrase "digital native" is frequently used by experts to characterize the young individuals or Gen Z, who are now entering the workforce. The demand for young talent in the workforce has grown crucial to the success of the sector as commercial real estate places an increased emphasis on workplace experience. The influence and needs of digital natives in the office, is transforming how the digital workplace functions as more and more of them enter the workforce.

Nearly half of workers already identify as digital natives, and by 2025, that proportion will rise to 75%. Technology will undoubtedly play a major role in the future of the digital workplace, but people's interactions with that technology will matter most. The so-called "digital natives" generation has high expectations for the adoption of cutting-edge technology in the workplace. Businesses that do not support workplace modernization will certainly lag behind.

Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants

The American author and speaker Marc Prensky, who also came up with the phrase "digital immigrant," first introduced the word "digital native" in 2001. Young individuals in today's society who have grown up surrounded by the Internet, digital media, mobile communications devices, and video games are referred to as "digital natives" by Marc Prensky. Digital natives process and interact with the world around them via a technology-first perspective, making them different from generations that have had to integrate as significant changes have occurred over the years. This sets them apart from millennials and generations who came before them.

The elder generation of digital immigrants is doing its best to acclimate to this new environment, much like learning a second language. So it makes sense that their technological experiences and expectations would vary, both from one another and from Gen Z in particular. Due to the widely different types of early learning experiences between the two groups, there may be important disparities in the way their brains are built.

When it comes to creating experiences, even at work, these variations in how we think (and potentially how our brains are organized) are important. Businesses that do not support workplace modernization catering to these differences will certainly lag behind.

Digital Natives in the Workplace

Digital natives are fostering the development of a new company culture by bringing technology expertise and a positive work ethic to the workplace. A digital native will have different requirements and desires in the workplace than a digital immigrant who has learned (or is still learning) to accept and absorb new technologies. When it comes to making technological investments, the leaders are in charge since they are virtually definitely less computer savvy than digital natives.

They must offer the adaptability and level of intuitiveness that digital natives need, as well as the assistance that digital immigrants require to embrace and use the technology. Simply said, fostering the success of both digital immigrants and natives needs a mentality that avoids the either/or dichotomy and instead tries to meet people where they are. Leaders won't be able to reach the digital native generation or their tech-savvy skill sets that will advance the company without building a new employee experience model.

Gen Z's thirst for innovation will have an impact on both how and where they work. Younger workers are accustomed to being constantly connected. Businesses that historically depended on strict organizational structures and in-person influence need to change if they want to keep their customers interested.

The need for Change

It's especially important to promote "phygital" or multichannel workplace experiences to draw in younger talent. Here are five ideas for improving the digital natives' experience at work:

• A lively, tech-enabled workplace culture will be cultivated with the aid of more virtual projects.
• Provide employees with both online and offline activities, such as health and fitness programs.
• The employee experience will eventually be enhanced by a willingness to experiment with emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and intelligent automation.
• Digital natives are capable of using any device, at any time, and anywhere. Today's workers place a high value on mobility, therefore businesses must build their technology solutions accordingly.
• Create accessible and open forums for debate, include them into routine tasks, and provide clear guidelines for how to utilize this technology.