Gen Z job seekers are our youngest workers. Often referred to as the Zoomers, they’re born between 1997 and 2012. Touted as one of the most diverse generations, they bring with them a different mindset than their millennial predecessors. So, what does that mean for employers? What should you know about Generation Z if you want to attract and retain them? We cover the most common traits.
1. They’re digital natives.
The Gen Z job seeker has grown up immersed in technology. To them, technology is a part of everyday life, and they expect to navigate a digital world as they traverse life, study, and work. For employers, having Generation Z employees onboard can be a huge bonus; they’re less likely than other generations to need handholding in a technology driven job – and as digital natives, they will drive innovation.
2. Must have work from home flexibility.
With many Gen Z job seekers entering the workforce around the same time as the Covid 19 pandemic, working from home is second nature to them. As such, they see flexible working arrangements as the default, and they expect an employer to offer work from home or other hybrid opportunities.
3. They’re financially savvy.
Generation Z grew up during the global financial crisis and some may have been shaped by the financial pressures that their parents faced. That means they’re more conservative when it comes to spending money and more likely to save for a rainy day. They value job security and are part of a cohort of smart investors.
4. They’re impatient.
As the first generation not to know a time without the internet or smartphones, Generation Z is impatient, often seeking instant gratification. The smartphone is their computer, and they live in a digital world where everything is on demand. That means they will seek out employers that are innovative and highly digitised with their finger on the pulse of the next big thing.
5. They prioritise their wellbeing.
Whilst previous generations were likely to dismiss health concerns, Generation Z prioritises health and wellbeing. As the group most affected by anxiety and depression, they’re also the most likely to seek therapy. Likewise, what they eat, and drink is also a priority – much more so than any generation before.
6. They are ethical consumers.
Whether it’s sustainable clothing, climate change or food production, Gen Z is firmly focused on the ethics behind what they consume. They’ll seek out slow fashion, protest about climate change and question where their food comes from. That makes them a great asset to employers looking to be more socially responsible.
Like generations before them, Generation Z jobseekers want to work for companies that align with their values and inspire. They’re looking at whether an employer values mental and physical wellbeing – and whether a business has a social conscience. But it’s not all one sided. Generation Z jobseekers can add value to the workplace with their unique perspectives, helping to drive innovation and productivity.
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