As more workers from Generation Z, individuals born between 1997 and 2012, begin entering the workforce, employers have to prepare for different employee expectations, goals and wants.
Here are 12 things to know about the growing Gen Z workforce:
1. About 3 in 4 Gen Z workers prioritize access to mental health resources when choosing an employer.
2. Fewer younger workers said they were thriving in 2023 compared to 2022, according to a global survey by Gallup. The report also found that those younger than 35 reported thriving less often than workers 35 and older.
3. Gen Z has grown up in a world of rapid technology expansion, and they expect rapid and ongoing change in the workforce.
4. Gen Z expects jobs where they get to make lasting change. Accountability matters in the work environment.
5. Gen Z values collaboration and teamwork and has a strong sense of team spirit.
6. Gen Z is less hierarchical than previous generations and wants governance to be a group effort. They also prioritize workplace transparency.
7. Gen Z has different views on workplace loyalty, having grown up witnessing a recession and mass layoffs. Since the gig economy has been so present throughout their lifetimes, there is less commitment to stay with one company for long periods of time.
8. Half of Gen Zs (50%) and 43% of millennials have rejected assignments and 44% of Gen Zs and 40% of millennials have rejected employers due to personal ethics or beliefs.
9. A survey conducted by ResumeTemplates determined that 1 in 4 companies have reported losing customers because of Gen Z employees' behavior. The report surveyed 1,000 managers involved in hiring who claim some Gen Zers lack the ability to effectively interface with customers, labeling young workers as entitled and lazy. Top concerns when hiring Gen Z employees in customer service or client-facing roles included their use of an unprofessional tone (41% of respondents), poor attention to detail (40%), unwillingness to go above and beyond (39%) and a lack of enthusiasm (38%).
10. The easiest medical role to retain Gen Z workers in is nursing, while the most difficult is pediatrics. Hybrid work aids in both recruitment and retention of Gen Z workers.
11. Gen Z's top priority at work is quality company culture, according to a new KPMG survey. Of those surveyed, 64% said they were looking for positive culture in their organization.
12. Remote work and a four-day work week were also important to younger workers, with 23% ranking the latter as most attractive.