What a Generation Z Woman Wants at Work

Generation Z: Born roughly between 1996 and 2010. The oldest members being the fresh graduates, youth corp members, interns, and new entry level employees have already proven themselves radically different from their millennial predecessors.

Professionally, what a Gen Z candidate seeks in a recruitment process, a job, and a working lifestyle is vastly different to the generations that came before them, so the same hiring strategies might not work for them. 

As a hiring manager or business owner, here are few things you need to know about who they are and what they want from a job — plus what they can bring to your company. 

Gen Z is tech-savvy

It’s no surprise that as a whole, Gen Z is more tech savvy than any other generation. After all, they’re digital natives, so they feel perfectly comfortable using the internet as a tool for work, research, and connecting with others. They grew up learning online etiquette in the same way that previous generations learned table manners. This is to say, the technology offered by an employer would influence their job choice if faced with similar employment offers. 

Gen Z is risk-averse

Cool office perks like nap rooms and aesthetically pleasing office rooms were key to employment choices for a few years, but those days may be coming to an end. Flashy perks mean nothing to Gen Z if a company isn't catering to their basic needs — like providing health insurance, paid leave, and clear opportunities for growth and development. Talking candidly about their career path and helping them understand what learning opportunities are available can also build trust and help them envision a long-term trajectory at your company.

Gen Z is independent 

Gen Z’ers care about autonomy and independence, and this mindset is reflected in the way they work. The internet has given them access to thousands of years of collective knowledge, and they’re much more accustomed to Googling things rather than asking for advice. More than any previous generation, Gen Z also understands that alternatives to the traditional 9-to-5 job exist and are viable options.  Offering more freedom and flexibility in a job can be highly attractive to them so be sure to highlight this throughout the hiring process and be open to remote work options.

Gen Z is competitive

Gen Z’ers know what they want and are willing to work hard to get it. Gen Z’s competitive side doesn’t just fuel their drive to receive promotions and raises; feeling seen and appreciated in the workplace is something most Gen Z employees strive for. They seek out and are eager to know what they can do specifically to improve their performance and advance their career. 

Gen Z is open-minded 

Major societal shifts throughout Gen Z’s formative years have also affected their disposition. As a general rule, this is a generation that’s known for being open-minded and deeply invested in diversity and inclusivity.

Gen Z is focused on authenticity 

Gen Z cares about ethical consumption, and they often avoid brands that are involved in scandals or that refuse to take a stand on important issues. They can sniff out publicity stunt a mile away and they are vocal when brands come across as authentic.  

The good news is, they gravitate toward companies that are purpose-driven, both from a consumer and candidate standpoint. The emphasis that Gen Z places on truth and authenticity also affects how they look at their workplace interactions.