Gen Z at Work: Their Expectations and How to Meet Them

by Oct 10, 2023

Have you come across terms like “rizz,” “no cap,” “it’s giving,” or “lit” lately? Well, these are the words popularized by Generation Z. As a Gen Z myself, I find myself using these phrases not only in my daily life but also in my professional endeavors.

It’s an exciting time for businesses and organizations as the new generation steps into the workforce. Gen Z’s unique upbringing, technological prowess, and distinct values bring a fresh perspective to the professional world. Gen Z currently makes up 30 percent of the world’s population and is expected to account for 27 percent of the workforce by 2025.

Back in the day, Baby Boomers were all about having job security. Generation X aimed for a balance between work and life while trying to move ahead in their careers. Nowadays, Millennials and Generation Z look for companies that do the right thing and go for ones that create a positive work culture.

Here’s an interesting fact from research: it keeps showing that young folks today aren’t all that different from young folks in the past. It’s mainly about how people in their twenties see things compared to those in their sixties. So, what Gen Z wants isn’t too different from what the older generations desired. It’s like giving an old favorite song a modern twist!

 

Understanding Gen Z

First off, let’s get to know the Gen Z workforce. Born between 1997 and 2012, they are the most diverse generation yet. According to Roberta Katz, a researcher from the University of Oxford, “a typical Gen Zer is a self-driver who deeply cares about others, strives for a diverse community, is highly collaborative and social, values flexibility, relevance, authenticity and non-hierarchical leadership.” 

According to McKinsey, Gen Z’s identity has been shaped by four key factors: The digital age, climate anxiety, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rapidly shifting financial landscape.

 

What does Gen Z want from their careers?

To gain insight into what Gen Z wants from their careers, we must delve into their values, expectations, and motivations. 

 

Technology-Centric Environment

Being born in the digital age, Gen Z expects modern technology tools and platforms in the workplace to enhance productivity. Because of Gen Zs’ comfort with technology and apps, they’ll be most likely to make the best use of new tools.

It’s evident that the future of work is undeniably tech-driven, and Gen Z is at the forefront of this transformation!

 

Work Flexibility

Gen Z values work-life balance more than ever. They truly value the flexibility of working hours, the option to work remotely, and the freedom to customize their work schedules to align with their personal lives. 

Gen Zers are enthusiastic about having the independence to manage their work hours and often look for opportunities that offer remote or hybrid work setups. Achieving harmony between their professional and personal lives is a significant factor that shapes their career choices.

 

Positive Work Culture

Numerous studies have consistently shown that Gen Zers prioritize employers who foster a positive and inclusive work culture above all else. For them, a warm and supportive workplace is more valuable than a job with a high salary.

What’s even more impressive is that 83% of Gen Zers are inclined to stay with an employer that actively promotes diversity and inclusion. This generation places a deep emphasis on nurturing equality, fairness, and representation within their workplaces. 

Check out our DEI Terminology Cheat Sheet here. Companies that make these principles a central focus are not only better positioned to attract Gen Z talent but also retain it.

 

Mental Health and Well-being

Gen Z places a tremendous emphasis on mental health and well-being. They’ve observed the impact of burnout and stress on older generations and are committed to making their mental well-being a priority right from the beginning of their careers.

In fact, according to SHRM research, 61% of Generation Z respondents stated that they would strongly contemplate leaving their current job if presented with a new opportunity that offered significantly better mental health benefits.

 

Engaging with Gen Z employees

Do you know how your workforce truly feels? One effective way to uncover their sentiments is by conducting a climate assessment

They help you understand not only the concerns and obstacles, but also how they impact productivity, performance, and relationships within your organization. By addressing these issues, you can foster a more engaged and productive workforce, catering to the needs and concerns of all, including Gen Z.

 

Promote Learning and Development

Gen Z have an innate passion for learning. This presents an exciting opportunity for organizations to create an environment that fosters continuous learning within the workplace.

To cater to their eagerness to learn and advance in their careers, it’s essential to grant employees access to training and development programs. These initiatives enable them to acquire new skills and remain competitive in the ever-evolving job market. 

Establishing mentorship programs, where Gen Z employees can glean wisdom from seasoned colleagues, not only helps them navigate the intricacies of the workplace but also fuels their professional growth.

 

Provide Timely Feedback

Providing timely feedback means offering constructive comments and praise promptly after observing an employee’s performance or behavior. It will keep them in the loop about how they’re doing and where they can shine even brighter. 

Gen Z employees are more likely to engage fully when they understand how their work contributes to the organization’s larger objectives.

If you’re a new manager, it can be challenging to do so. Luckily, our CEO, Catherine Mattice’s newly launched Coursera course: Managing Employee Performance for New Managers, will give you insight into giving timely feedback.

 

Proactively Create a Positive Work Culture

Show your commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard. These values are at the core of Gen Z’s passions, and a positive culture aligned with these principles will deeply resonate with them. 

So, how about we partner to enhance your team culture and attract top talent? Leveraging our expertise, we’ll collaborate with you to craft a workplace culture that not only appeals to Gen Z but also welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds and generations, catering to the diverse talent your team needs.

Here’s a freebie for you, our: Employee Engagement Doesn’t Have To Be A Mystery Ebook!

Many organizations ignore employee engagement because it feels elusive and expensive. Rather than getting caught up in the fear and doing nothing, download our eBook on employee engagement, and get started.

About Catherine Mattice

Catherine Mattice, MA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP is President of consulting and training firm, Civility Partners, and has been successfully providing programs in workplace bullying and building positive workplaces since 2007. Her clients include Fortune 500’s, the military, several universities and hospitals, government agencies, small businesses and nonprofits. She has published in a variety of trade magazines and has appeared several times on NPR, FOX, NBC, and ABC as an expert, as well as in USA Today, Inc Magazine, Huffington Post, Entrepreneur Magazine, and more. Catherine is Past-President of the Association for Talent Development (ATD), San Diego Chapter and teaches at National University. In his book foreword, Ken Blanchard called her book, BACK OFF! Your Kick-Ass Guide to Ending Bullying at Work, “the most comprehensive and valuable handbook on the topic.” She recently released a second book entitled, SEEKING CIVILITY: How Leaders, Managers and HR Can Create a Workplace Free of Bullying.

Reflections on Workplace Behavior: Am I a Bully?

Getting along in the workplace can be tough, and many people wonder if they're behaving the right way at work. One particularly important aspect to reflect on is whether one's actions may be perceived as bullying. Bullying at work is a serious issue that can...

Join Our Team As OD/People & Culture Analytics Subcontractor

Civility Partners believes in making a positive difference for every employee at every organization we work with. Through a variety of services including coaching, training, and organizational culture consulting (OD), we partner with clients to create positive work...

The Importance of Intercultural Communication in Organizations

In the age of globalization, organizations are evolving into hubs of diversity, uniting individuals with varied cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, and perspectives. The process of diverse talents and experiences can lead to innovation and enhanced problem-solving...

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Kindness at Work

Last Monday, November 13th was World Kindness Day. As an organization that is focused on building positive and healthy work environments, being kind doesn't just make us feel warm and fuzzy; it actually helps us achieve awesome results, especially as we're growing....

Dealing with an Angry Boss

In the workplace, dealing with an angry boss is not uncommon. They might get upset for a moment or be consistently frustrated. It can be tough to handle, but if you figure out why it's happening and find good ways to deal with it, you can make the work situation...

When Intersectionality and Toxic Behavior Intersect

We often discuss how various aspects of who we are, like our race, gender, and other things, can impact how we experience the diverse workplace today. We call this intersectionality. However, when the profound concept of intersectionality collides with toxic behavior,...

Ten Ways to Practice Self-Care at Work

Do you often find yourself stuck in a never-ending loop of deadlines, meetings, and tasks? The pressure to do well at your job can be really intense. But it's crucial to remember that taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health should come before...

What Indicators Help in Identifying Low Performers on Your Team?

Every successful team depends on its members to contribute effectively and work together cohesively. As a manager or team leader, it is important to make sure that your team is working effectively and efficiently. Every team should have people who do their job that...

Why Money Can’t Buy Employee Engagement

Right after I wrapped up my university degree, I was super excited to dive into my career. But let me tell you, it was no walk in the park trying to land my very first job. Finding a job, especially in my hometown, was a real challenge. After a whole lot of searching,...

Is It Unprofessional to Show Your Human Side at Work?

In the fast-paced world of modern workplaces, people have often thought that acting professional means not showing too much emotion or getting too attached to things. Employees are expected to act like they're always super focused and calm, and they don't have much...