Here’s a shocking thing to think about: accounting for around 30% of the world’s population, Generation Z–those born between 1997 and 2012–is the most prolific in history.
And as Gen Xers begin retiring and Millennials move into the later stages of their careers, the two billion Gen Zers (also known as “Zoomers”) are about to account for a significant amount of the world’s workforce.
Just like every generation before them, Gen Z has its own set of professional preferences, ambitions, and goals, shaped by the changing world they’ve grown up in.
So, what do these “dot com” kids want from their careers? What can businesses of all sizes expect from their Gen Z employees, customers, and colleagues?
Flexibility and Work-Life Balance
As the pandemic caused a rise in remote work, Gen Z was the first to say they wanted things to go back to the way they were. In fact, barely a quarter (26%) of Gen Z employees said they wanted a complete return to the office.
But, on the other hand, they also yearn for human interaction at work, meaning the hybrid model is going to be a considerable selling point.
For remotely employed Zoomers, having a workspace and professional community where they can go to collaborate, meet, and work with other people will become increasingly important to them.
While they don’t want to go to an office every day, they do want to have the option to do so when it suits them.
Learning, Development, and Transparency
Zoomers are driven to learn and grow in their careers, and they’ve come to expect on-the-job learning to be part of their working lives. A staggering 76% expected to learn on the job from co-workers–not online or in a self-guided format.
But it’s equally important for them to know exactly what’s expected of them at work. They want transparency on their career paths and exactly where things stand.
Zoomers want people to take a vested interest in their careers, helping them to learn, grow, and thrive.
Security and Money
Gen Z was hit hard by the pandemic, with many being laid off, furloughed, or fired. As a result, nearly one in seven workers (15%) have been actively trying to move into a new industry that they consider more ‘future proof’. Gen Z-ers were also the most proactive (20%) about making a change in their careers and doing what they can to seek out jobs with better pay or security.
Genuine Care
Zoomers are skeptical and cyclical as a product of growing up during challenging times with instant access to information. And because of this mistrust, they prioritize authenticity, especially at work. That is to say that they want to work for organizations and leaders that authentically care about their wellbeing.
In fact, about a third of Gen Zs (35%) said they’ve taken time off work due to stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic. And about 40% of Gen Zs felt that their employers have done a poor job of supporting their mental well-being during this period.
Zoomers want employers their mental and physical well-being to be cared for by way of healthcare and mental health support plans and programs.
Ethics, Social Responsibility, Diversity, and Inclusion
After a record-breaking year of SEC and corporate fines in 2020, it’s becoming clear that Zoomers want businesses and leaders to prioritize social impact and ethics, from giving back to the community to taking a vested interest in a global cause.
Diversity and inclusion are also of special importance to Gen Z, both personally and professionally.
Whether you’re a business owner who may be hiring Zoomers, a solopreneur who will be outsourcing to them, or a remote employee who works with members of Gen Z, understanding their motivations, desires, and goals will help create a more collaborative and productive working relationship.
To learn more about how flexible office space can be a perfect option for Zoomers, get in touch with us today. Our team is available to speak with you.