Gen Z In The Workplace - What To Know About The Rising Generation

Gen Z workers will make up 30% of the workforce by 2030. These employees have different work styles, expectations, and values than previous generations. As an employer, you’ll want to understand just what those are in order to optimize the work environment for everyone. What does your business need to know about Gen Z in the workplace? Let’s find out.

In this article, we’ll discuss what Gen Z is, the benefits these workers bring to your business, what they want from their employer, and how best to attract and retain this talent. After reading this, you’ll be prepared to best capitalize on the emergence of this new generation in the workplace.

Who is Gen Z?

Gen Z are those workers who were born after 1996 until 2012. While only some in this generation have been in the workforce for a few years now, generally speaking, there are some common characteristics members share when it comes to their employment. These include:

They value diversity. They are uniquely principled and place a high value on diversity, equity, and inclusion, both in terms of race and gender as well as identity and orientation. And it’s not just diversity of people with different backgrounds that matters but diversity of thought as well.
They are highly collaborative and social. While Gen Z may be the first generation of digital natives, they are more interested in real-life connections than you may think. This is in part because 37% worry that technology is weakening their ability to maintain strong interpersonal relationships.
They want to align who they are with what they do. When considering Gen Z in the workplace, it’s important to note they view their employment habits as direct reflections of their value systems. Two-thirds, in fact, believe that their work defines them.
They prefer non-hierarchical leadership. The rising generation wants to be in a company that sees all as equal; while there may be different roles, not one is better than another. Among this generation, “upper management” is a major complaint.
They are focused on pay transparency and equitable benefits. Consistent with their focus on equality, Gen Z believes in salary transparency to help identify wage gaps and prevent discrimination.
They want career growth opportunities. When evaluating the role of Gen Z in the workplace and in your organizational plans, you should understand this generation is ambitious and wants to have a job that allows them to evolve and grow. That means they place a high value on skill development and self-improvement.
They value flexibility. Gen Z is less likely than other generations to sacrifice work-life balance. They are looking for companies that prioritize well-being over what someone can accomplish 8 hours a day.
They prioritize self-care – used by 80% of Gen Z as a form of mental health care – and more openly discuss the importance of it than any other generation. By extension, they place a big emphasis on opportunities that consider their mental health and wellness.

What are the benefits of Gen Z in the workplace?

The Gen Z characteristics can bring valuable benefits to you as an employer. For example, even though they have an unprecedented digital connection, they crave real-life connection and place a high value on offline relationships. This attribute can help enhance your culture and engagement levels.

In addition, they are competitive, ambitious, and work hard. Even though nearly half of Gen Z have numerous side hustles, while they’re working for you, they’ll be willing to put in the extra hours if they’re rewarded for it.

They are also intensely focused on problem-solving. They have seen the global community face everything from climate change to inequality and want to roll up their sleeves to fix things. As an employer, this can be another advantage of having Gen Z in the workplace since their solution-seeking nature can help move your business forward more effectively.

Lastly, since they are mission-driven and want to feel connected to a company’s values, if what you stand for resonates with them, they will care deeply. That passion can help you further your purpose and positive change.

What does Gen Z want in the workplace?

As you seek to appeal to this younger generation that represents the future of work, it’s important to be aware of several things Gen Z is looking for from their employer.

Flexible Work Arrangements. Being able to choose where and when they work is at the top of Gen Z’s wish list. In fact, 72% of Gen Z employees have left or considered leaving a job due to an inflexible work policy. To attract these workers and show that you value Gen Z in the workplace, prioritize work-life balance and their personal well-being by offering flexibility and independence. That may mean remote work, a 4-day workweek, or even letting them set their own hours as long as they accomplish their tasks.
Career Advancement. These younger workers want an employer that invests in them and offers career growth opportunities. It’s important to note that they want to grow quickly, so providing training programs early and often is key. Beyond traditional training, consider opportunities for them to work alongside experienced peers, mentors, and coaches. And as they grow, give them a change to contribute and lead.
Non-traditional Benefits. Beyond traditional medical and dental, they want access to more progressive benefits. These perks can include mental health days, unlimited PTO, wellness stipends, financial wellness as well as activities that create a sense of community – all of which may help address rising stress levels.
A Sense of Purpose. As we discussed earlier, these workers want work with a purpose that gives them a sense of fulfillment and allows them the chance to make an impact on society. In fact, 93% of workers say that a company’s impact on society affects their decision to work there. To appeal to Gen Z in the workplace, it’s important to highlight your efforts to be good global citizens in your communications. Be sure to include tangible examples so that these employees feel your mission and values are authentic.
Higher Pay. A competitive salary is another of the most important benefits Gen Z is looking for, with 63% saying it’s a must have. Be sure you review your salaries to make sure they’re in line with the market or you risk these young employees leaving. This is especially important now as Gen Z faces increasing economic instability and rising cost of living.

How to Best Prepare for Gen Z in the Workplace

As the newest generation in the workforce, and one that will soon make up a significant part of the workforce, it’s important to understand these employees and their motivations. That way, you can meet them where they are to optimize their place in your company. For more tips on how to embrace Gen Z in the workplace alongside other generations, read our next article on the importance of an age-diverse workplace.