BUSINESS NEWS - Job loyalty is not high on the priority list for South African Gen Zs.
A 2024 survey by online research company InfoQuest found that only 55% of Western Cape workers between the ages of 18 and 24 remained loyal to their place of employment.
Despite this relatively-low percentage, the province fared best in the country, according to the survey.
In Gauteng that figure was 47% and in KwaZulu-Natal 52%. Nationally, 73% of the 300 surveyed held more than one job.
Gen Z, now the largest generation in South Africa and projected to make up about 40% of the country’s workforce by 2030, has shown a penchant for “poly-jobbing”.
The 2024 Old Mutual Savings & Investment Monitor showed that 73% of Gen Zs were “managing multiple income-generating activities simultaneously”.
These surveys paint a telling picture for the future of work in South Africa and how Gen Zs are rapidly reshaping how companies approach compliance, risk and governance.
This is driving a significant shift away from traditional models toward more agile, values-driven and tech-enabled frameworks.
It is a trend that has not gone unnoticed by Muhammad Ali, managing director of South African standardisation specialist World Wide Industrial & Systems Engineers (WWISE).
Though the pandemic accelerated Gen Z’s desire for flexible work environments and better work-life balance, this shift also brought new challenges.
“Many younger employees are juggling multiple jobs, often without disclosure, which compromises both quality and compliance,” Ali says. “They prefer freedom from deadlines, and that often clashes with structured compliance expectations.”
“Gen Z is not the generation to believe in the long haul or ‘trust the process’. They’re results-driven, value immediacy and seek flexibility, often challenging the rigid structures of legacy compliance systems. Gen Z brings a different energy – one that is balanced, independent and highly digital.”
However, companies are beginning to understand that compliance requirements can be met provided they align with what matters to this generation.
Ali says WWISE has seen a sharp increase in demand for solutions focused on mental health and wellness. Companies are realising that managing psychological risks isn't simply good practice – it’s essential for productivity and retention.
Internationally-recognised standards like SANS 16001 and ISO 45003, which deal with wellness, health and psychological safety, are being adopted more widely.
The key is for ISO management systems to evolve and remain relevant, Ali adds.
“Gen Zs won’t engage with text-heavy policies and procedures. They want information presented in engaging, digital formats – videos, infographics, gamified eLearning and even virtual reality.”
But while Gen Z may be less focused on traditional documentation, they care deeply about ethical governance, so long as the purpose is clear.
Ali says they ask the right questions: “why does this matter?’ and ‘what impact does it have?” being two examples.
“That level of scrutiny, when channelled properly, can bridge the gap between superficial tick-box compliance and authentic, values-driven governance.”
He foresees a major transformation in risk and compliance frameworks, such as manual systems using traditional computer office software becoming obsolete. The future lies in the use of data visualisation, automation, machine learning, blockchain and AI to embed compliance into operations without disruption.
Ali warns companies that they need to adapt quickly or risk becoming irrelevant.
“Organisations must invest in innovative tools and methods that resonate with Gen Z. Those who resist change will be left behind.”
Article: Muhammad Ali, managing director of South African standardisation specialist World Wide Industrial & Systems Engineers (WWISE)
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