Generation Z, often shortened to Gen Z, is made up of people born after 1996, according to the Pew Research Center. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that Gen Z will make up about 30% of the U.S. workforce by 2030. This means Gen Z will fill the seats of nearly 50 million jobs across the country, and while Gen Z may have some overlapping characteristics with millennials and other generations, there are notable characteristics that personally, professionally, and holistically define the budding professional generation.
As this shift in the workforce begins, there will also be a shift in the people we collaborate with, the people we will see as managers and leaders, and the people we will see creating seismic shifts across industries. Here are a few ways Gen Zers are reshaping the workplace:
- Pandemic Influence and Flexible Work: Many Gen Zers entered the workforce during the global pandemic, which has significantly influenced their workplace expectations. They value flexible working conditions, balancing virtual and in-person interactions. This flexibility is seen as crucial for improving in-person and virtual communication skills, fostering meaningful collaboration, and enhancing their sense of connection and belonging in the workplace.
- Financial Priorities and Job Stability: Gen Z faces a challenging economic environment, characterized by a tough rental market, high interest rates, and unaffordable housing. Consequently, they prioritize financial stability and demand higher salaries, with an average desired income of over $170,000 for financial health. They also emphasize the importance of job stability and comprehensive benefits to prepare for their financial futures.
- Diversity and Inclusion: As the most diverse generation, Gen Z is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). They expect employers to support and lead DEI initiatives, providing growth opportunities and mentorship. Gen Z assesses diversity differently from earlier generations, focusing on uplifting historically underrepresented groups and pursuing values-aligned opportunities.
- Intergenerational Integration: Successfully integrating Gen Z into the workplace involves recognizing the contributions of all generations. Good managers leverage the strengths of an intergenerational workforce, acknowledging Gen Z’s new perspectives, values-centric approach, and desire for feedback. This integration fosters a collaborative, holistically supportive environment that benefits from the diverse skills and values of all employees, promoting mission-driven work in the process.
Gen Z is here to stay. As they continue to amass significant portions of the workforce, companies will need to be mindful of their values, approaches, and goals as driven professionals, managers, and leaders.
BU + Beyond 