5 Things Gen Z is Looking for in a Job
Wondering how to attract a younger demographic to your organization? Find out what Gen Z looks for in a workplace and how to hire top talent here.
Photo by Sergey Zolkin / Unsplash
Today's Gen Z population is the first generation to experience digital technology, leading to a significant impact on their attitudes and expectations. Wondering how to attract a younger demographic to your organization? Here are five key qualities this new generation is looking for when it comes to their work.
What Gen Z Looks for in an Employer
Gen Z is the most educated, diverse, and technologically-savvy generation to date. They are driven and ambitious, eager to make their mark on the world. Additionally, they're more likely to challenge boundaries and think outside the box to solve problems. By hiring Gen Z, companies will benefit from their diverse perspectives and cutting-edge ideas.
It crucial for businesses to examine what potential employees are searching for in a position. In order to retain these incoming talents, companies should ensure their employment opportunities are transparent and accessible. A recruitment and marketing strategy that is tailored to reach Gen Zers should also include personalized onboarding processes, competitive benefits, and creative workplace cultures. By fostering innovative and collaborative workplace environments, businesses can tap into the potential of this diverse generation.
A Brief Overview
Who is Gen Z? Generation Z is the demographic following Millennials, born between 1996 and 2010. They are digital natives who value technology and progress. They are the most racially and ethnically diverse generation yet, and are also the most connected, with nearly all of them using the internet and social media. Gen Zers is often known for being entrepreneurial, confident, and independent.
Some common trends and attitudes shared by Gen Z include a desire for social change, a focus on mental health, and a preference for experiences over material possessions. Gen Z is also known for being highly adaptable and for being quick to adopt new technologies. When it comes to the workplace, Gen Z is looking for employers who are innovative, collaborative, and values-driven. They also place a high importance on work-life balance, flexible work arrangements, and employer-sponsored training and development opportunities.
Ultimately, Gen Z is a generation that wants to be heard. They are more vocal about their opinions, values, and beliefs than any other generation before them. They believe in the power of their voice, and are passionate about using it to make a true difference in the world.
1. Prioritizing Values and Making a Positive Impact
For Gen-Z, it’s important that their work is meaningful and makes a positive impact. They want to work for employers who share their values and who are making a difference in the world. Gen Z is all about trying new things and embracing change. They want to work for employers who are constantly innovating and who are open to new ideas.
Gen Z is the most diverse and tech-savvy generation, and they’re very conscious of the world around them. They are actively looking to make a difference and have their voices heard. They want to be part of something that’s bigger than them and have their contributions valued. They also want to know that their hard work is making an impact. By joining employers who are actively investing in making the world a better place and embracing innovation, Gen-Zers can be part of something meaningful.
How can work places prioritize values and making a positive impact?
- Offer perks to employees that align with the organization’s values (e.g. free public transportation, sustainability initiatives, etc.)
- Include employees in decision-making processes and give them the opportunity to express their opinions.
- Promote an inclusive and diverse workplace environment.
- Encourage employees to get involved in community initiatives and volunteer opportunities.
- Provide training and development opportunities.
- Foster an environment of collaboration and open communication.
2. Balance Between Work and Home Life
Gen-Z values their time outside of the office and is looking for employers who understand that work should not take over their entire lives. They seek organizations who offer work-life balance and flexible work options. They also prefer employers who prioritize mental health and recognize their need to unplug and recharge on a regular basis.
Employers can promote work-life balance by offering flexible work arrangements such as part-time hours or flexible scheduling. They should also create a workplace culture that values mental health and allows employees to take regular breaks throughout the day. Gen Zers also appreciate employers that support their hobbies or side projects outside of the office.
Employers should emphasize the importance of mental health and ensure employees have the resources they need to manage stress and recharge. Mental health days or programs such as yoga or meditation classes can also help to reduce stress and foster a feeling of well-being.
3. Genuine Connections and Community
Gen Z wants to work for employers who foster genuine connections and a sense of community. They want to feel like they are part of something larger than themselves and that their work is making a positive impact. Community and connection are important values for Gen Z. They want to work for employers who are making a difference in the world and who share their values.
Employers should create opportunities for employees to connect with one another, whether through weekly potlucks, volunteer days, or simply having conversations around the office. Investing in team building activities and encouraging employees to socialize outside of the office can also help foster a sense of community. Additionally, employers should investing in programs that help Gen Zers develop their leadership skills and work towards their goals.
Gen Z also values employers who promote diversity and foster a culture of inclusion. Employers should take active steps to create a culture where everyone feels included and respected regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion. They should also invest in training opportunities that help employees better understand diversity and inclusion and the importance of creating a safe space for all individuals.
4. Diversity and Inclusion
Gen Z values diversity and inclusion, and expects employers to prioritize these values as well. They seek organizations who have strong diversity and inclusion policies, or are actively working to create an inclusive environment. Gen Z wants to work for employers who are committed to eliminating discrimination and fostering an environment of respect and equality.
Employers should make sure they have a diversified workforce and review their hiring practices to make sure they are not inadvertently excluding certain groups. They should also create inclusive training modules that celebrate diversity and provide sensitivity training to help employees better understand different cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds.
Employers should also strive to create an inclusive, safe, and respectful environment for all their employees. This could include creating a code of conduct, having policies against discrimination and harassment, providing resources for employees of different backgrounds, and celebrating the diversity of their workforce.
Some ways employers can promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace include:
- Establishing clear policies to ensure equitable hiring and promotion practices.
- Educating employees on issues of diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency.
- Offering cultural sensitivity and respect training.
- Designing anti-harassment policies and procedures.
- Building employee resource groups or committees aimed at fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
5. Learning and Developing New Skills
Gen Z is always looking to learn and develop new skills, and they expect employers to provide them with the resources they need to do so. They want to work for employers who value their skills and offer training programs to help them grow. Employers should also provide Gen-Zers with the opportunity to explore different roles and to gain experience in different areas of the business.
Employers should facilitate mentorship opportunities for Gen Zers, and create internship or apprenticeship programs to provide them with real-world experience. Additionally, employers should provide access to online courses and tutorials, and use technology to help employees stay up-to-date with the latest skills and trends.
By offering these resources and opportunities for learning and development, employers can help Gen Zers build the skills they need to succeed and make a positive impact on the organization. This will also help foster a sense of loyalty and retain the best talent for years to come.
Source the Best Talent With Simplify Today!
At Simplify, we understand the importance of recruiting and retaining the best Gen Z talent for your organization. Our platform provides access to tens of thousands of candidate profiles, and allows employers to source and quickly connect with the best-fitting candidates. Contact Simplify today to learn more!