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Millennials are generally an open-minded, technological, innovative, and creative generation. However, for the millennials and gen-z, it is undeniable that the impact of economic, political and health crises experienced in the past few years has led to much loss: the loss of employment and loss of wellness. And above these losses, many fear that millennials and gen-z have also lost the attachment towards traditional heritage and pride in the preservation of history. The concern is that young citizens are left with no option but to transform their lives and focus on sustaining and adapting to the current living conditions, thus being disengaged with the preservation of cultural heritage.

Millennials and gen-z – although they are different age groups, for this piece, we will be using the terms interchangeably. It is considered that the members of the same age cohorts have similar behavior, opinions and way of making decisions. The reason is that they are born in the same period and besides the years they have shared their life events through time. They existed in a certain period in cultural history –shared important social and cultural events which acted on their behavior, thereby sharing views and worldviews. As a result, millennials tend to have the same disposition and attitude towards heritage celebrations.

Contrary to the popular conversation, the question is not whether millennials view traditional heritage as obsolete, but rather the possibility of revising traditional norms to fit the modern age. Research has proven that millennials are interested in engaging with history and culture, just in a different manner. Be it music, food, fashion, arts and crafts or even hanging at our local spots. According to Millennial Research Report, Millennials relate to the cause but are not necessarily active in the preservation of history.

When it comes to heritage, we need to determine ways to position historic preservation in a way that speaks to Millennials and motivates them to engage. We need to take a look at some of the behavioral, social, and psychological characteristics.

Is it possible to revise traditional norms to fit the modern age?

The millennial era is not a threat, but instead, it opens a big path for the millennial generation to explore heritage: creative talents of design, performing arts, production, and authorship, combined with media production, distribution technique, and new interactive technology.

Authenticity

Authentic Experiences matter: as we approach Heritage Day, what does this mean? Many think that experiences: museums, food, clothing, and gatherings need to be complex to engage young people. More than anything else, millennials desire authenticity. They want to learn, but all the better if it’s for a social purpose and has the relatability factor. As previously mentioned, millennials relate to the cause. Yes, being regarded as cool by peers, posting and hashtags are important, as long as a compelling story is engagingly told, all are equally interesting in the eyes of the millennial.

Manipulating artifacts, the millennial way

The usage of the target market and insight to craft and transform user experience is nothing new. It’s important for users to be able to ask what’s important that will make the experience relatable to the millennial. For instance, when it comes to the Xhosa traditional gear known as umbhaco – we see a lot of designers creating umbhaco but adding modern twists such as lace, and feathers to give it the modern “edge”. At the core, it is still umbhaco with just a modern flare to it.

Technology

Millennials – immersed in the digital era and living in a past faced world, technology is probably the best way to connect to young people. Heritage brands should adopt a layered approach to their digital strategy – making use of available technology to enhance rather than mask the heritage essence of artifacts. Doing so will ensure heritage artifacts can attract new audiences (millennials, gen-z) without alienating existing ones (older generation such as baby boomers).

Innovation

Millennials are perceptive of global issues, and with their skills in utilizing technology, they can lead innovation in the creative industry based on cultural heritage and in the attempt to build “postmodern” cultural heritage.

Conclusion

Perhaps the concept of preservation of heritage should not be a ‘protectionist’ one but rather it should be seen as an integrated concept for the revitalization and development of culture – which is where millennials and gen-z come in. How can we celebrate heritage in a way that speaks to the older generation but does not alienate the young people of today?

Skills that were in demand in a pre-coronavirus world were already changing, but the pandemic has accelerated the rapidity. Whether fortunate or unfortunate, it is extremely unlikely that the world of working as we know it will go back to “normal”. Instead, we have to adjust to a new normal. How workplaces operate and the most in-demand skills are likely to transform as well.  In other words, some skills will become more relevant while others will have to be reimagined or worst-case scenarios, become redundant.

Are you wondering whether there will be any job opportunities post the pandemic?  Well, we are here to motivate you and give you some good news (see our post of top emerging jobs) as we prepare to resume more economic activity in the country. We have already explored careers that are emerging but it’s also worth noting which skills will be highly sought after and relevant post the lockdown and COVID19 pandemic in its entirety. The following skills are likely to be in demand in a post-coronavirus world:

Digital and coding skills

Many organisations were propelled to become more dependent on digitization because of remote working. Therefore candidates with digital skills including coding, web development, digital marketing, and analytics will become more relevant now more than ever. People who can keep the day to day operations of the business thriving post lockdown, during a pandemic or working from home will be a must hire and have a definite upper hand.

 Tech savviness

Acquiring technical skills and becoming comfortable with these tools will become extremely important post the pandemic. This will include obtaining skills that can help companies build resilience during outbreaks or any unforeseeable disruptions. These technologies can include artificial intelligence, robotics, big data, the Internet of Things, virtual and augmented reality.

Critical thinking

We have seen the damage that the spread of misinformation and disinformation can do. COVID19 has proved the significance of having employees that have great thinking skills. Not only does this help decipher what is true or not, but with a great pool of information out there, it will become extremely critical to have individuals who can help debunk what information should inform decision making and the next steps during times of uncertainty. 

Adaptability and flexibility

As already mentioned, the world is changing, and being able to adapt will be inevitable. A good candidate will have to continuously learn to adapt to a continuously evolving world of work. Employees will be inclined to hire candidates who they can trust will be flexible enough to upskill themselves to fit with the demands of an evolving world should times of uncertainty arise.

Creativity and Innovation

The pandemic has shown us how important business being able to deliver services virtually is key. In a post-coronavirus world, this will require individuals who can invent and create products to adapt to a new way of working.

Leadership

This skill seems very obvious and thus easily forgotten. Professionals who can display leadership qualities are extremely critical because the post coronavirus world of work will probably mean an increase in remote working. Therefore, people being able to lead fluid teams and team members leading themselves will be highly encouraged. Leaders who can inspire teams and remain focused during times of uncertainty, anxiety, and disruption of productivity will be in demand.

Some of these skills were already standard for other industries. Economic trends show us that due to the impact of the lockdown, these skills will be greatly emphasized by recruiters. According to the World Economic Forum, in the next five years, 35% of skills that are deemed as essential today will change. The only way to survive and succeed in a post-coronavirus world of work is committing to upskilling and reskilling yourself. The good news is that multiple free open online courses can help you improve your skills. Grab the opportunity and advance yourself in expert skills.