Worried that your office is about to be overrun by TikTok dances and bucket hats? Gen Z is taking the workplace by storm—this year, they’ve surpassed the amount of Baby Boomers in the workplace and make up one third of our world population.
But instead of relying on stereotypes about Gen Z in the workplace, here’s the data behind what they look for in an employer and the value they can bring to your company.
What Does Gen Z Value in the Workplace?
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When it comes to workplace values, Gen Z is rewriting the rulebook. If you’re wondering what motivates Gen Z in the workplace, you should know they prioritize these key factors:
Workplace Culture
Gen Z thrives in environments where they feel a sense of belonging. Inclusivity, respect, and a collaborative atmosphere are non-negotiable for this generation. One of our Gen Z employees summed it up perfectly when she said, “I’ve ended up wanting to stay [at Lemonade Stand] much longer than I otherwise might have because I loved the sense of community so much! Came for the paycheck, stayed for the people.”
Mental Health
Mental well-being is a top priority for Gen Z. They seek employers who offer mental health support and foster a culture that promotes work-life balance.
Inclusion and Diversity
Gen Z is the most diverse generation in history, and they expect their workplaces to reflect this diversity. Companies that prioritize diversity initiatives and inclusive practices are more likely to attract Gen Z talent.
Career Progression
Ambitious and driven, Gen Z values clear paths for career advancement. They appreciate regular feedback and opportunities for professional development.
What Motivates Gen Z in the Workplace?
Understanding what drives Gen Z can help employers create more engaging and productive workplaces.
Purpose and Impact
Gen Z wants to make a difference. They are motivated by roles that offer meaningful work and the opportunity to contribute to something larger than themselves. This could look like days off for volunteer work or a program like Build Then Bless, which flips typical corporate giving on its head and gives your employees the opportunity to be more involved.
Financial Stability
While salaries are important, this generation also values benefits like comprehensive health plans, retirement contributions, and student loan repayment assistance. Gen-Z does value salary less than every previous generation: if given the choice between a boring job that paid higher or a more interesting job that paid less, survey respondents were split over the choice.
But just because Gen Z values it less than previous generations doesn’t mean employers can pay them less. Gen-Zers in the workplace will be outspoken about inadequate pay and are more likely to leave a job for higher-paying opportunities.
Continuous Learning
Gen Z loves to learn. They seek employers who provide training programs, workshops, and opportunities to gain new skills.
What Does This Mean for Employers?
To attract and retain Gen Z in the workplace, businesses may need to shift their priorities and offerings:
Focus on Work Culture
Creating an inclusive, supportive, and dynamic workplace culture can make a significant difference. Make sure to put a special emphasis on employee recognition. One of our Gen Z employees shared, “I do my best when I know my hard work will be recognized or displayed for others to see. I love feeling like I’m contributing to the company and/or to clients—it makes me work even harder to grow and improve my skills.”
One of the best ways Lemonade Stand, the company I work for, has done this is through the Build Then Bless software. Each employee gets $10 every month that we can send to coworkers with a shoutout about the hard work they’ve been doing. Leaders love it because it balances feedback with recognition, and employees love seeing their hard work recognized.
Adapt Benefits Packages
Gen Z values benefits that contribute to their overall well-being. Flexible work hours, mental health days, and robust health insurance plans are just a few perks to consider.
Develop Clear Career Paths
Offer mentorship programs, regular performance reviews, and clearly defined pathways for advancement to help Gen Z feel confident in their future with your company.
What Gen Z Brings to the Workplace
Despite sometimes getting a bad rap, Gen Z offers numerous strengths that can benefit any organization.
Digital Literacy
Growing up in a digital world, Gen Z is incredibly tech-savvy. They can adapt quickly to new software, tools, and platforms, making them valuable assets when it comes to digital transformation and adoption.
Motivation to Progress
Gen Z is driven and ambitious. They are eager to take on new challenges and responsibilities, often going above and beyond to prove their worth.
Education and Knowledge
Gen Z is the most well-educated generation yet. Their academic achievements and critical thinking skills can bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the table.
Why Employers Need to Pay Attention
Ignoring the unique needs and values of Gen Z in the workplace could lead to high turnover rates and a disengaged workforce. Here’s why businesses should take note:
Attracting Top Talent
By understanding what Gen Z values, employers can tailor their recruitment strategies to attract the best and brightest.
Enhancing Employee Retention
Meeting the expectations of Gen Z employees can lead to higher job satisfaction and longer tenure. Take it from one of our Gen Z employees about what they value most in a workplace culture: “I most value clear and honest communication. The benefits and fun stuff don’t mean anything if I can’t trust the team I’m working with.”
Employers can stack the benefits sky high, but if you don’t implement what Gen Z in the workplace really values, you’ll lose employees fast.
Staying Competitive
Companies that adapt to the evolving workforce will stay ahead of the curve, remaining competitive in a rapidly changing business landscape.
How to Implement Gen Z-Friendly Practices
Implementing practices that align with Gen Z values doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few actionable steps:
Foster Inclusivity
Create a welcoming environment where all employees feel valued and respected. This can be achieved through diversity training, employee resource groups, and open dialogue about inclusion.
Promote Mental Health
Offer mental health resources, such as counseling services, wellness programs, and mental health days. Encourage a healthy work-life balance and provide support for employees facing mental health challenges.
Provide Growth Opportunities
Invest in employee development through training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities. Regularly review performance and provide constructive feedback to help employees grow.
Schedule a Build Then Bless Demo!
We created Build Then Bless to get to the heart of what so many employees want in a workplace: connection, community, and a purpose bigger than themselves. Find out why over 90% of our employees say that Build Then Bless is a reason for staying at Lemonade Stand!
