Gen Z in the Workplace: What Employers Need to Know

Dr Kristin Tugman

Generation Z (individuals born between 1997 and 2012) is now 27% of the workforce in the US. While they are quickly becoming an important target for hiring and talent development, many employers are still trying to understand their needs and motivations when it comes to work.

Recently I interviewed a small group of individuals from this cohort to seek to better understand their perspectives. These conversations produced some interesting insights on their shared attitudes and beliefs when it comes to their ideal work environment, career aspirations, benefits expectations, and more.

For example, mental health is considered the norm, with the majority of interviewees agreeing it is a normal conversation topic for the workplace. In fact, these individuals felt employers should take responsibility for preserving the mental health of their workforce.

In addition, study participants shared a common need to find community at work. Enjoying their co-workers and seeing them as friends outside of work is important, as is feeling comfortable to be themselves and bring their whole selves to work.

Other themes that arose included the impact of COVID-19 on their attitudes toward work/life balance, their interest in compensation that powers life experiences, expectations for diversity, inclusion, and equity within the workplace, and more.

Download the full report.