Generation Z

The Washington Post does an annual  survey to select Top Places to Work in the Greater Washington DC metro area. This year, they included a fascinating article on what Generation Z wants at work.

Since this generation will soon be 25% of the US population, we need to understand as much as we can about them and their expectations.

As I read the article, I kept thinking that what Generation Z people wanted was totally in line with what I want from my work environment. Then I came to the section where the writer clarified that yes, we want the same things, but here’s the difference. They are less afraid to ask. Interesting, until I read that asking for what they want has made other people call Generation Z members, “narcissistic and entitled.”

That statement was interesting because this generation is considered to be more “diverse, tolerant, educated, and socially committed” than previous generations.

They have been formed by the massive global events that have happened during their short lifetime including 9/11, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, a global recession, a global pandemic, demonstrations for social and racial justice, the January 6th insurrection, and those are just the big ones! It is no wonder that this generation has higher levels of stress, mental illness, and poverty than other generations.

What they want from work is a job that fits their values. They want to work where they feel welcomed from the start and supported as they move into your workplace. They are not willing to compromise their values for job security. If things are not going well for them at work, they will not hesitate to resign and look for a place where they feel more comfortable and where they can grow and develop their skills.

Generation Z employees do their homework before even applying for a position. They will spend time on your website to learn about your organization’s commitments to diversity, your team members and your community. They want to work with organizations that invest in their staff members, so one thing they look for is mentoring programs.

According to a Pew Research Center study, 67% of Generation Z members say environmental protection is their top priority. So they look to work for places that are committed to  protecting the environment. Recruiters will attest that this generation asks early in the hiring process about the organization’s commitment to DEI and environmental issues, so be prepared to respond.

While this generation is interested in workplace flexibility, keep in mind that so much of their life has been spent in a virtual world. So, a hybrid workplace is a plus for them. They are also aware of  the impact a commute has on the environment.

Provide a flexible, inclusive, hybrid environment that allows these employees to contribute, learn, grow, and be heard and you should be able to attract and retain this large and very important generation.