Gen Z is reshaping the modern workplace. As the youngest generation in the workforce they bring fresh energy digital fluency and a strong sense of personal values. They care about transparency well-being and purposeful work. Employers who recognise these priorities quickly discover that Gen Z is an asset worth investing in. At Westray Recruitment Group we partner with organisations that want to attract develop and retain the best emerging talent and our latest insights show exactly what Gen Z expects from employers today.
At Westray Recruitment Group we have carried out in depth research through our MultiGen Playbook to understand exactly what this generation wants from the modern workplace. Drawing on real responses from working professionals this guide gives employers practical insight on how to attract retain and get the very best out of Gen Z talent.
Our research shows Gen Z places the highest importance on salary progression opportunities and company reputation.
They want financial security and the chance to advance quickly but they also want to feel proud of the organisation they represent. Gen Zers often link their personal identity to their employer which makes employer brand more influential than ever before.
Businesses can strengthen attraction by focusing on:
If you want additional insight into attracting the modern workforce you can explore our blog on How to Attract Millennial Employees.
You can also explore How to Get the Best Out of Millennial Employees here.
Despite assumptions about younger workers Gen Z prefers stability over unpredictability. 87%of Gen Z employees prefer a standard 40 hour week and many are happy to work overtime when needed which challenges common workplace stereotypes.
Their working preferences include:
More than 70% prefer to work in teams and one respondent said Working in a team can share strength. Employers who build strong collaborative cultures are therefore more likely to engage this generation and drive better performance.
Gen Z values autonomy meaningful work and varied responsibilities. They want to know their work matters both within the organisation and beyond it. They also appreciate trust and ownership which helps them stay motivated and committed to their role.
To get the best out of them employers should:
For more insight into what today’s candidates look for, click the link.
One of the strongest findings in the Gen Z Playbook is that this generation relies on open transparent communication. They value training not only in role specific areas but also in subjects such as mental health ADHD and burnout. Around 40% of respondents said they want clearer mental health checkpoints with HR which shows how important wellbeing structures are to their overall performance.
Employers can support them by:
This is especially important because our research also showed that over 53% of Gen Z respondents feel training and progression opportunities are missing within their current workplace.
Gen Z wants consistent direct and authentic communication. Monthly check ins were the most popular but daily interactions were also welcomed. 60% prefer feedback in a casual tone while the rest prefer a more formal approach but all respondents emphasised that clarity is essential.
To support growth and development employers should:
Retention factors for this generation are clear. Money progression and feeling valued are the biggest reasons they remain in a role. As one Gen Z team leader said Having bills to pay influences me to stay in my role.
Employers who want to keep their Gen Z talent long term should:
Gen Z is highly aware of external opportunities. The most common reason they leave a job is better pay elsewhere. This is followed by feeling disrespected poor management and experiences of micromanagement.
To reduce turnover employers need to:
For further reading you can explore our existing Westray article on How to Get the Best Out of Gen Z Employees.
Although Gen Z has grown up in a digital world our report shows that 80% prefer in person workshops while only 20% prefer online learning. This means hands on collaborative and practical training is the most effective way to upskill them.
Employers can support their growth by:
At Westray Recruitment Group we help businesses build stronger teams by understanding what motivates today’s workforce. Our research led approach ensures you attract engage and retain the right people from Gen Z to seasoned industry leaders.
We offer:
If you want to build a Gen Z ready workforce and strengthen your talent pipeline contact us today;
Email: info@westray.co.uk
Telephone: 0191 492 6622
A representative from Westray will be in touch with you shortly.