Nicole Strickland & I have met with hundreds of candidates in the emerging & entry level HR market. We always explore their motivators, drivers and expectations from their next employer. See below, insights into what the upcoming HR professional market is seeking & how to attract and retain Gen Z talent. ⚡

Gen Z, the generation born between 1997 and 2012, is reshaping the modern workplace with their unique preferences and expectations. As the first generation to grow up with smartphones and social media, understanding their values is crucial for employers.

◽ Empathy: Gen Z values empathy from bosses, ranking it as the second most important trait. Surprisingly, bosses rank empathy much lower. Employers should prioritize fostering a culture of empathy and understanding.

◽ Mental Health Support: Gen Z feels they lack mental health support at work. Less than half say their boss helps maintain a healthy workload, and 28% struggle with mental health due to their boss.

◽ Meaningful Work with Autonomy and Flexibility: Gen Z seeks meaningful work with autonomy and flexibility. Create collaborative environments, offer innovation opportunities, and provide flexibility in scheduling.

◽ Competitive Compensation and Pay Transparency: Gen Z prioritizes earning potential over a positive work environment or making a difference. Ensure competitive compensation and embrace pay transparency to build trust and openness.

◽ Work Wellness and Flexibility: Gen Z prioritizes work wellness and expects scheduling flexibility. Implement flexible work policies to meet their expectation and promote work-life integration.

Understanding Gen Z's preferences is crucial for employers. Prioritize empathy, mental health support, meaningful work, competitive compensation, and flexibility. By adapting workplace strategies, organizations can attract and retain top Gen Z talent, fostering a thriving and inclusive environment.

Eryn Button