CAREER

They’re tech-savvy, mission-oriented, and willing to quit. As Gen Z – the generation born around the years 1997 to 2012 – moves into the workforce in earnest, they’re transforming the face of work in ways no other generation has. And they’re doing it with purpose.

Shelve the corner office and gold watch after 30 years. Gen Z is rewriting the playbook of employment, and employers are being compelled to pay attention.

Not just a paycheck

Unlike the ancient myth that salary reigns supreme, most Gen Z employees are putting purpose before pay. To be specific, a 2024 Deloitte survey revealed that more than 60 percent of Gen Z employees would accept a reduced salary to work for a firm whose values resonate with theirs.

From climate action to diversity and mental health, they expect businesses to walk the talk. Corporate social responsibility is not a buzzword to them, it’s a baseline.

“I want to feel like what I do matters,” says Maya Singh, 24, a junior UX designer. “If I’m spending 40 hours a week somewhere, it should be with a company that aligns with who I am.”

Flexibility is non-negotiable

The 9-to-5, five-day office environment isn’t exactly what this digital-native generation craves. Working remotely, having flexible hours, and even being able to work from anywhere rank high on the list.

Gen Zers tend to prioritize work-life balance over old-school career glory. They're more apt to inquire about mental health days, remote work arrangements, and four-day workweeks than they are about promotion prospects down the line.

“Time is the new currency,” career coach Jamal Reyes observes. “Gen Z craves freedom and flexibility, and they will job-hop until they get it.”

Mental health matters

Mental health is another bedrock concern. Gen Z is less ashamed of anxiety, depression, and burnout than earlier generations, and they expect their employers to be just as honest and helpful.

In response, companies are upscaling mental health benefits, providing therapy stipends, and getting managers trained up to create psychologically safe workplaces.

But Gen Z is always on the lookout for when efforts like these end up feeling performative. They're seeking sincere, structural assistance, not a string of feel-good tweets on World Mental Health Day.

Career growth…on their terms

Though Gen Z is ambitious, they’re remaking success in their image. Rather than climbing a strict corporate ladder, they want a “lattice” model – where advancement can equal lateral shifts, creative endeavors, or developing new competencies, not necessarily a larger title.

They also anticipate feedback and mentoring – not annually in a formal review, but continuously, openly, and digitally if necessary.

Technology isn't a perk – it's the baseline

Having grown up with smartphones, social media, and AI, Gen Z demands digital proficiency in the workplace. Obsolete tools or clunky processes anger them, and they’re frequently the ones recommending more streamlined workflows or automation.

Meanwhile, they’re also careful about the effect of technology, particularly AI. Many expect companies to be prudent about how tech is used and how it influences jobs, privacy, and creativity.

A generation that won't settle

Some describe Gen Z as demanding. Others claim they’re disloyal. But above all, they’re thoughtful. They won’t hesitate to walk away from a job that doesn’t benefit them, and they won’t hesitate to discuss poor culture, poor treatment, or burnout on social media.

Their standards might appear lofty, but in most respects, they’re merely insisting upon what should have been the norm all along: respect, equilibrium, purpose, and fairness.

As companies compete to attract and retain Gen Z talent, one thing is clear: business as usual won’t cut it. And that might just be the change the workplace needs.