Gen Z, also known as Zoomers (ages 18-27), is growing up and starting to form a significant portion of the American workforce. Glassdoor’s 2024 workplace trends predict that Zoomers will surpass baby boomers in the full-time workforce by early 2024.
The year presents a pivotal moment of cultural change that businesses cannot ignore. A generation that cares deeply about community, having a voice, diversity and inclusion, and transparent, responsive leadership is quickly making up more of the workforce.
As society continues to navigate the changing landscape of work, understanding what drives the workforce is important for building resilient and motivated teams. These workers remind everyone that while financial compensation remains important, the intangible rewards of meaningful work are just as compelling.
More Than Paychecks
A recent study by DailyPay reestablishes paychecks as the primary motivator for going to work every day. Four of five Gen Z workers acknowledge pay as their fundamental motivation behind working.
Contrary to popular belief, paychecks aren’t the only reason Gen Z clocks in. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of young workers express an affinity for their jobs, citing enjoyment of their current positions.
Propelled by Sense of Purpose
Gen Z’s multi-faceted motivations span several categories. Just fewer than half (47%) of those polled derive a sense of satisfaction from workplace accomplishments and the pursuit of career goals. Around 44% are driven by a sense of purpose, and a notable 24% express feeling motivated to better the world around them.
This sense of purpose transcends mere job satisfaction. Feelings of intention and belonging shine through in Gen Z’s work quality and workplace demeanor. A majority feel proud of a job well done (63%), believe they bring the best versions of themselves to work every day (62%), and are motivated to succeed (55%).
Gen Z Prioritizes Personal Development
LinkedIn’s 2020 Workplace Learning Report found that 76% of Gen Z consider learning fundamental to career success, suggesting that opportunities for growth and advancement are critical to job satisfaction and engagement. This pursuit of personal and professional development shows young Americans’ desire to work in positions that challenge and fulfill them while paying the bills.
Work-Life Balance for Young Employees
Additionally, a survey by the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) shows more than 70% of Gen Z lists work-life balance as their top priority when considering job opportunities, indicating a significant shift towards valuing personal well-being alongside professional achievement. This emphasis on balance further contributes to their motivation, engagement, and productivity at work as they seek roles that accommodate and respect their life outside of work.
Employers’ Next Challenge
Findings from the DailyPay survey challenge the narrative that Gen Z workers are disengaged and transient; reports prove young workforce members enjoy and commit to meaningful work.
Hiring Gen Z workers offers employers many benefits, including increased digital fluency and innovative mindsets. Their perspectives and eagerness challenges the status quo, sparks creativity, and drives innovation. These Gen Z traits push companies to explore new ideas and solutions. Young workers’ preference for flexibility, along with their entrepreneurial spirit, inspires adaptive work practices which can foster a resilient organizational culture.
Gen Z workers are not just employees but catalysts for transformation. These fresh workforce members push companies toward tech-centered strategies and socially responsible thinking.
Employers looking to attract and retain young talent must recognize and support these motivations. Workplaces seeking professional contributions from Gen Z must offer opportunities for personal and professional growth, roles with clear impacts, and a positive work culture.
Gen Z Wants To Work
For Gen Z workers, job opportunities come with more than a paycheck. Working Zoomers seek positions that blend innovation, flexibility, and purpose. Professional fulfillment is more a priority than a preference, as a sense of purpose influences their motivation, engagement, and overall workplace satisfaction.
Ideal jobs for Gen Z ensure creative freedom and personal growth. Roles in digital marketing, app and software development, and sustainable and social impact start-ups align with their tech-savvy and socially conscious nature while offering remote work capabilities or dynamic environments.
Gen Z’s strong moral compass is reshaping the future of work in exciting ways, as they favor and pursue careers that reflect their diverse interests and high expectations and ethics. Gen Z values companies that prioritize mental health and work-life balance, making companies that champion these principles very attractive.
